Atalanta intend to lean mostly on their in-house resources to make up for the doping-related absence of José Luis Palomino. Even in the best-case scenario, he will miss a significant chunk of the upcoming season. However, La Dea isn’t short of options in the back.
As per Calciomercato, a new addition isn’t imminent, but the news blocked any potential departure. Merih Demiral is on Inter’s list should Milan Skriniar depart, but the Bergamaschi are determined to keep him now. Caleb Okoli fared well at Cremonese, and multiple teams want him on loan, but he will probably stay put too.
Atalanta are now set to sign Ademola Lookman from RB Leipzig. Talks are at final stage, personal terms agreed. Deal imminent for former Leicester winger. ?? #transfers
Atalanta are closing on Lookman and Nuno Tavares deal is collapsing, he’s now close to joining OM. @SkySport pic.twitter.com/elJeCmd21H
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 28, 2022
Gian Piero Gasperini was already plotting to give more minutes to Giorgio Scalvini. In addition, Atalanta acquired Ederson earlier in the summer, which allows them to field Marten De Roon as a center-back more often to fill in for Palomino. Plus, regulars Rafael Toloi and Berat Djimsiti aren’t going anywhere.
The coach could opt to rely on two more former loanees, Nadir Zortea and Matteo Ruggeri. They are fullbacks, but the latter has some experience in a three-man defense. Still, their presence would permit them to go with a four-man line without depth issues. The Orobici contacted Arsenal for Nuno Tavares again. However, they didn’t want a simple loan, and he will join Olympique Marseille instead, Gianluca Di Marzio informs.
Our Take on Atalanta Coping Without Palomino
It is a tough break as it is easy to argue that he is their best and most consistent defender, even if he doesn’t get much fanfare. Still, it could have happened at worse times since they aren’t playing in Europe. They can make do with what they have. Scalvini and Okoli might be budding stars.
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