Atalanta target Udinese's Kristensen with West Ham's Todibo as alternative
Quick summary
Atalanta are pursuing Udinese defender Thomas Kristensen as a key transfer target, with West Ham's Jean-Clair Todibo identified as a backup option.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceAtalanta have made Thomas Kristensen their priority target to reinforce the defence, with West Ham’s Jean-Clair Todibo held as the alternative.
According to calciomercato.com , the Danish centre-back is the man Cristiano Giuntoli wants to anchor Maurizio Sarri’s backline, though Udinese have made their stance clear: only an irresistible offer will prise him away.
Atalanta are prepared to put around €20-25m on the table. Udinese’s technical director Gökhan Inler, speaking at the Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup, chose caution, acknowledging the interest, “there are interested clubs who want him”, before shutting the door, at least for now: “He’s our player; as long as he’s here, he’s an Udinese player.”
Tellingly, the defender captained Udinese in their 1-0 win over Barcelona in the same tournament, a detail that spoke louder than any statement.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 17: SS Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri, now of Atalanta, during the Serie A match between AS Roma and SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico on May 17, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images) Kristensen preferred to Todibo as Atalanta plan defensive rebuild The move is part of a wider reshaping. Atalanta must replace Berat Djimsiti, the veteran captain heading to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Diriyah, and Sarri wants a defender to put his own stamp on a backline moulded over years by Gian Piero Gasperini, then Ivan Jurić and Raffaele Palladino.
Kristensen, a commanding 198cm presence long admired by Giuntoli from his Juventus days, is the favoured option, with the sticking point his price.
Should that deal prove too costly, Atalanta could turn to Todibo , who is set to leave West Ham following their relegation. There, the obstacle is different: the France international’s hefty Premier League wages, and competition from Juventus. For now, though, it is Kristensen who tops the list at Bergamo.
Source attribution: this article content is based on the linked publisher feed/source. Chance adds independent soccer context, impact analysis, entity links, and related news.
What happened
Atalanta are actively working on a move for Udinese centre-back Thomas Kristensen, who has impressed in Serie A. The Danish defender is seen as the primary target to strengthen Atalanta's backline. Should that deal fail to materialise, Atalanta have lined up West Ham United's Jean-Clair Todibo as an alternative. Todibo, who joined West Ham, could be available if Atalanta shift their focus. The pursuit reflects Atalanta's ongoing ambition to remain competitive at the top end of Serie A despite losing key players in previous windows.
Chance analysis
Atalanta's search for defensive reinforcement signals continued squad restructuring under their current sporting project. Kristensen has been a reliable performer for Udinese, and acquiring him would represent a notable upgrade to Atalanta's defensive depth. The presence of Todibo as a fallback suggests Atalanta are determined to land a centre-back regardless, which could drive up competition in the market. For prediction systems, Atalanta's defensive solidity and clean-sheet probability could shift depending on the outcome of this pursuit.
If completed, Atalanta's defensive solidity would likely improve; failure to sign either target leaves their backline potentially under-resourced for the season ahead.
Monitor Atalanta's defensive metrics and clean-sheet potential as they pursue a centre-back reinforcement before the transfer window closes.