Fulham reportedly made a formal offer for Atalanta wingback Raoul Bellanova, but La Dea have no interest in selling the Italian star. According to Fabrizio Romano, Maurizio Sarri’s men have rejected the Cottagers’ €20 million bid for the 26-year-old.
Everton tried to sign Bellanova at the start of the summer, but their approach fell on Sarri’s deaf ears. Indeed, the former Lazio head coach has deemed the highly rated defender indispensable, urging Atalanta to take him off the market.
Bellanova was on the fringes of Raffaele Palladino’s project last season, making just 24 appearances in Serie A. However, Sarri is more appreciative of the Italian’s qualities and is looking to make him central to his system next season.
Therefore, Atalanta are reluctant to let Bellanova leave this summer.
Atalanta Keen to Keep Bellanova Amid Premier League Interest
Formerly linked with Milan and Inter, Bellanova remains one of the right-backs in Serie A. After letting Marco Palestra join Chelsea, Atalanta can ill afford to lose another player in the same position. As such, Sarri has convinced the club to turn down Fulham’s offer.
Davide Zappacosta was Atalanta’s starting right-back last term, but he is already 34 and cannot be expected to shoulder the workload indefinitely. Bellanova’s age, versatility and attacking qualities make him a natural long-term successor, giving Sarri another reason to resist Premier League interest.
There’s a feeling that Sarri’s arrival could turn around Bellanova’s fortunes in Bergamo.