Atalanta have been looking to add a pacey attacker for the entire window. Sassuolo rejected multiple attempts for Jeremie Boga, whom they have been targeting for a couple of years. They are now after a similar player in Jonathan Ikoné, Calciomercato.com reports.
The 23-year-old was highly instrumental in Lille’s surprising title last season. He hit the net seven times and provided seven assists in 48 matches including Europa League. He is already off to a good start as he scored in last week’s opener against Metz. The French international has totaled 15 goals in 127 games with Les Dogues.
Ikoné has primarily played as a right winger in Christophe Galtier’s 4-4-2. However, he has featured also in central positions in previous years. Atalanta would need to open up the wallet to get him. Lille ask for €30M to sell him. The price tag scared away Milan and Borussia Dortmund in previous weeks, the site relays.
The Orobici have invested in Juan Musso and Matteo Lovato during the summer. They also brought in Merih Demiral and Giuseppe Pezzella but delaying the payment to 2022. Cristian Romero and Pierluigi Gollini transferred to Tottenham for rich fees but on initial loans. Therefore, the money will start coming in next year.
The Atalanta front-line could be in flux as Inter are pursuing Duvan Zapata as a second replacement for Romelu Lukaku. Josip Ilicic appeared to be his way out, but the latest rumors suggest he is now more likely to stay.