Bellanova 'not for sale' as Atalanta rebuff Fulham's €20m offer
Quick summary
Atalanta have rejected Fulham's €20m bid for winger Raoul Bellanova, declaring the player not for sale.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceAtalanta have rebuffed Fulham’s interest in Raoul Bellanova, making clear the Italy wing-back is not for sale.
According to FirenzeViola , the Premier League club have moved concretely for the full-back, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that Fulham submitted a written offer, understood to be worth around €20m including bonuses.
Atalanta, however, have turned it down, with La Gazzetta dello Sport reporting that the Bergamo side consider the defender off of the market.
HARRISON, NEW JERSEY – MARCH 24: Raoul Bellanova #25 of Italy stands before the first half of the Ecuador v Italy – International Friendly at Red Bull Arena on March 24, 2024 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) Sarri keen to keep Bellanova at Atalanta despite Fulham interest The reasoning is straightforward. Bellanova has featured heavily in pre-season under Maurizio Sarri , who regards him as an integral part of his plans, and Atalanta have no desire to lose a first-choice option so close to the start of the campaign. Barring an offer they deem impossible to refuse, the intention is to keep him.
Fulham are searching for a new right-back and see Bellanova as an ideal fit.
But with Atalanta holding firm, and other clubs, in Italy and abroad, also monitoring the situation, the London side may have to significantly improve their proposal, or turn their attention elsewhere.
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What happened
Atalanta have turned down a €20 million offer from Premier League side Fulham for Italian winger Raoul Bellanova. The Bergamo club have made it clear they consider the former Torino and Inter player integral to their project and are not open to negotiations at that price. Bellanova, who joined Atalanta and has impressed in Serie A, is viewed as a key squad asset. Fulham are expected to need to significantly raise their bid or look elsewhere if they wish to sign the player.
Chance analysis
Atalanta's firm refusal signals they value Bellanova well above Fulham's €20m valuation, likely reflecting both his tactical importance and the inflated Serie A winger market. For Fulham, this represents a setback in their search for wide reinforcement and may force them to pivot to alternative targets before the window closes. From a prediction standpoint, Bellanova remaining at Atalanta keeps their wide attacking depth intact, while Fulham's squad remains unchanged in that area.
Atalanta keep a key wide player; Fulham's recruitment plans in that area face a setback and may need to pursue alternatives.
Expect Atalanta to retain Bellanova unless Fulham substantially increase their offer; Fulham may pivot to alternative wing targets.