Tottenham have identified a double raid on Atalanta to sign goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini and defender Cristian Romero. The Lillywhites are looking to start afresh under their new manager, Nuno Espirito Santo. The Portuguese tactician has identified the Atalanta duo as their primary targets as Spurs are eager to improve on their performances from last season.
Both Golini and Christian Romero have had a great deal of demand this summer, especially from the Premier League. Romero has attracted interest from clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid and many other clubs following his Copa America triumph. But now Spurs have gained a lot of ground in their race to sign the Argentine centre back.
Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi recently assured the clubs that they are open to selling players but they want the right price for their players. “There are many options that we are evaluating,” the Atalanta chief told reporters at the unveiling of their new jersey.
“Gollini is an important player for us, but there is nothing decided yet. Tottenham are a concrete option.
“Romero is one of the best defenders in Serie A and it’s normal that many clubs are interested in signing him. Atalanta allowed him to develop and play Champions League football. Let’s see what happens, if we are to sell players, we must do it in a smart way and offers must match the players’ value.”
While Spurs are closing in on Golini, they are yet to reach Atalanta’s valuation with Romero. But the North London club will have to wait for Atalanta to trigger the purchase option in their loan deal with Juventus before he can move again.
The Gian Piero Gasperini led side are also ready to listen to offers for Slovenian forward Josip Ilicic. The former Fiorentina forward did not have the best of seasons last time out and therefore Atalanta are considering cashing in on the 33-year-old Slovenian.
Ilicic netted six goals last season in the Serie A along with 10 assists. Although it was not his best season in front of goal, he did play a crucial role in helping Atalanta finish third in the league table ahead of Juventus and only behind Internazionale and AC Milan.
Sharing his views on Ilicic’s transfer rumours, Percassi once again assured that the club are open to hearing offers for the Slovenia international. “Ilicic has given a lot to Atalanta, we know what he can give, but we are ready to consider the offers that will arrive.
“Atalanta’s goal is to gain Serie A survival, it’s not rhetoric. We know where we come from, we are a medium-small reality of Italian football, we are still in Serie A and for us, this is worth a Scudetto.”
