Several European clubs are interested in Atalanta centre-back Merih Demiral.
Demiral, 24, signed from Juventus for a fee of €20m in June following a successful loan spell last season in Bergamo. He penned a four-year contract with the club.
The Türkiye international has started 12 Serie A fixtures so far and is currently regaining full fitness after suffering a knee injury. Demiral’s relationship with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has been slightly fractious, displayed by his controversial subsitution against Inter in November.
Newcastle United were linked with Demiral last year before Atalanta exercised their option to buy clause, leading the Saudi-backed club to pursue and eventually capture Lille defender Sven Botman. Inter are also mooted as being an interested party by Calciomercato.it.
Fabrizio Romano has reported an update about Demiral’s transfer situation:
“Many important clubs are monitoring Merih Demiral as Turkish centre back has always attracted interest in the last few years after his performances with Atalanta.
Demiral, one to watch this year as clubs are informed on conditions of potential transfer.”
Demiral’s age profile, contract-length, Serie A experience, and technical qualities will likely cause a high market valuation as Atalanta aim to steer away suitors. Romano, however, did not state whether these “imporant clubs” are monitoring Demiral with an eye for a January transfer or for a pursuit in the summer.
