Atalanta have undergone a transformation, not just in their performance on the pitch but also in their mentality and ambition. This shift was evident in manager Gian Piero Gasperini’s recent comments following the team’s draw against Lazio. Gasperini, typically reserved about transfer matters, openly stated, “We’re not that numerous in attack. I believe it’s a common misconception: just look at the bench. In January, it would be important to finish what we couldn’t complete in August. In June, we had the intention of being very competitive this year.”
This unusual candour from Gasperini, coupled with CEO Luca Percassi’s hint about Daniel Maldini being a player “we must follow,” suggests Atalanta is gearing up for significant moves in the January transfer window.
Calciomercato report that despite the push for new signings, sporting director D’Amico remains cautious, emphasizing the difficulty of the January market while assuring that the current squad will be maintained. This stance indicates that key players like Lookman and Ederson are likely to stay, at least until the summer.
For attacking reinforcements, three names are prominently circulating. Daniel Maldini, currently impressing at Monza, is seen as a potential alternative to Pasalic and Samardzic, particularly for his goal-scoring ability. Domenico Berardi, who remained with Sassuolo in Serie B, has long been a target for Gasperini, especially with Champions League ambitions in mind. Giacomo Raspadori, finding limited opportunities at Napoli under Conte, is another option, though Roma is also monitoring his situation.
Some surprising names have also emerged. Federico Chiesa, currently underutilized at Liverpool, and Joshua Zirkzee, potentially leaving Manchester United, are high-profile targets. However, their high wages present a significant obstacle for Atalanta.
A more realistic option might be Beto, a former target whose physical attributes could suit Gasperini’s offensive style. Everton is reportedly asking for €16 million, but Atalanta is considering alternative formulas such as a loan with a conditional obligation to buy or a straight loan with an upfront fee.
