Atalanta will be “forced” to sell Pierluigi Gollini with Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur and Everton keen on the one-time Aston Villa man, as reported by Tuttomercatoweb.
When reports emerged linking the talented shot-stopper with a return to Britain, you’d have been forgiven for wondering why.
After all, Gollini struggled big time during six short months in the Championship during the 2016/17 season. He was sold by then-Villa boss Steve Bruce for just £3.75 million after 20 league games between the sticks.
But a little context is required here.
Gollini was just 21 at the time, far from the finished article and clearly not ready for a league as unforgiving and physical as England’s second tier.
Four years have passed and Gollini has rebuilt his reputation back home in Italy. A man once dubbed heir apparent to Gigi Buffon has gone from strength to strength at an Atalanta side that has qualified for the Champions League once again.
This week, Tutto Atalanta reported Everton and Spurs have enquired about the now 26-year-old glovesman, with both clubs considering a bid before the end of August.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side won’t stand in Gollini’s way, either.
Could Gollini return to England with Everton or Tottenham?
Atalanta completed the signing of Udinese’s Juan Musso for almost £18 million earlier this month, which means Gollini’s time as the club’s number one is probably over.
Musso is one of the most highly rated goalkeepers in the whole of Europe, let alone Italy, and a club of Atalanta’s means aren’t going to spend £18 million on a player before sticking him on the bench.
As a result, TMW believes La Dea will now be “forced” to cash in on Gollini.
A golden opportunity, then, for Everton and Tottenham. A golden opportunity, too, for a man who has unfinished business in England.
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