As the celebrations for their Europa League and upcoming Champions League qualification wind down, Atalanta are now focusing on planning for the upcoming season. La Gazzetta dello Sport detail how the Percassi family, Stephen Pagliuca, and Gian Piero Gasperini are analyzing players who could further elevate the squad’s performance.
Defensive Reinforcements
First on the agenda is addressing the defense. Giorgio Scalvini’s injury, which will keep him out for the entire first part of the season, necessitates the acquisition of two new defenders capable of stepping in as starters. Current squad members include Hien, Kolasinac, Djimsiti, captain Toloi, and the young Bonfanti, but expanding the rotation is crucial. One potential addition is Arouna Sangante, a Senegalese player born in 2002 and currently the youngest captain in Ligue 1, playing for Le Havre. Sangante’s versatility, including his ability to play along the right flank, makes him an attractive prospect.
Strengthening the Wings
Atalanta is also looking to bolster their wings, particularly on the left side. A potential return of Robin Gosens from Union Berlin is being considered. Gosens, who is also being courted by Bologna and Lazio, has strong ties to Bergamo and a desire to play in the Champions League again, which gives Atalanta a favorable position if they choose to pursue him. On the right side, discussions are ongoing with Spezia regarding the purchase of Holm.
Boosting the Attack
In the forward department, Atalanta sees El Bilal Touré as a second striker and is therefore searching for a primary striker to support Gianluca Scamacca. Orri Oskarsson, a 2004-born player from Copenhagen, is viewed as a promising option. Like Rasmus Hojlund, Oskarsson’s talent would allow him to grow without immediate pressure to start. Additionally, Atalanta is seeking a forward with distinct qualities and technical skills to complement the current roster, potentially filling this role after the sale of Alexey Miranchuk. A month ago, there was talk of Nicolò Zaniolo expressing interest in returning to Italy, but his injury status makes him a less viable option for immediate impact.
Midfield Uncertainty
The most significant uncertainty lies in the midfield, contingent on the futures of Ederson and Teun Koopmeiners. Koopmeiners, who is attracting interest from Juventus and Liverpool, appears to be the closest to leaving, with Atalanta requiring a 60 million euro offer to consider a sale. Ederson’s situation is linked to the conclusion of the Copa America, with several Premier League clubs, including Newcastle, showing interest. Atalanta is prepared to sell only one of these key players and is scouting potential replacements, such as Jordan James from Birmingham (born in 2004), who could be developed gradually.
Youth Prospects and Loan Returns
Among the players returning from loans, Caleb Okoli, a central defender who recently played for Frosinone, is already attracting interest from clubs like Leipzig and Salzburg. Atalanta’s preparations will officially begin on July 10 at their Zingonia training center.
