£20 million Juventus defender Luca Pellegrini has ‘refused’ a move to Premier League newcomers Fulham as he wants to stay in Serie A, as reported by Tuttosport.
On Thursday morning, Juve fans woke up to the sight they’ve been dreaming off over the last couple of weeks. Filip Kostic, in a Juventus branded Jeep, arriving at the club’s training ground, posing for photos and signing autographs for a throng of adoring fans.
The Serbia international – who missed Eintracht Frankfurt’s 2-0 UEFA Super Cup defeat to Real Madrid in Helsinki – will undergo a medical today before being unveiled as a Juventus player ahead of this weekend’s Serie A opener at home to Sassuolo.
But while Kostic’s arrival looks set to push Luca Pellegrini further down Max Allegri’s pecking order, the former Roma youngster is not going to change his stance on a potential late-summer switch to Craven Cottage.
Serie A stalet Luca Pellegrini prefers Atalanta to Fulham
According to Tuttosport, Pellegrini has ‘refused’ Fulham’s offer. The Italy international wants to stay in Serie A, and it seems he could get his wish.
Atalanta are in the market for a player capable of thriving as a left-wing back with Remo Freuler on his way to Nottingham Forest. And Pellegrini ticks a lot of boxes for a club famous for helping talented young players realise their potential; From Duvan Zapata to Cristian Romero, Mario Pasalic to Joakim Maehle.
Sport Mediaset say that Fulham held talks with Pellegrini in July, though they were only willing to pay £9 million. Juventus want closer to £12 million. The Cottagers have also been linked with Celta Vigo’s Javi Galan and Real Betis’ Alex Moreno. Everton loanee Ruben Vinagre is another.
Time is running out on Marco Silva’s hopes of bringing in a new left-back before September’s transfer deadline. Antonee Robinson impressed during the 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Saturday, with Joe Bryan waiting in the wings.
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