Tottenham boost as Atalanta now open to selling Merih Demiral in £22m transfer

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Tottenham Hotspur have now landed a boost amid Fabio Paratici’s interest in a transfer for Atalanta BC star Merih Demiral. But Spurs are not alone in the race to sign the centre-back.

That is according to Calciomercato, which now reports that Atalanta do not rule out selling Demiral this summer. He only joined the Bergamo natives last year but has struggled to tie down a starting role on merit. Yet La Dea can cash in for a tidy profit with an auction likely.

Demiral has relied on issues for Jose Palomino, Giorgio Scalvini and Berat Djimsiti to open matches under Gian Piero Gasperini. The 25-year-old has only started in 14 of his 21 Serie A appearances so far this term. He also watched their two Copa Italia ties from the bench.

Atalanta president Percassi sets their asking price for the transfer of Demiral

San Siro rivals AC Milan and Inter Milan admire what Demiral may offer them next season, though. The Rossoneri and Nerazzurri have each contacted Dea president Antonio Percassi to make enquiries ahead of the market. They also learned of his €25m (£22m) asking price.

Atalanta are only seeking a small profit on the €20m (£17.5m) plus €2.5m (£2m) in add-ons they paid Juventus. La Dea took up their option to buy the centre-back following his initial season on loan. They also gave the 35-cap Turkey international a contract until June 2026.

Yet Atalanta could cash in with an auction expected in Milan, while Calciomercato has also cited Tottenham with an interest in the transfer of Demiral. It recently reported that Spurs managing director Paratici remains a huge admirer having signed him for Juventus in 2019.

Paratici wants to rival AC Milan and Inter to see the defender join Tottenham

Paratici was instrumental to Juventus buying Demiral from Sassuolo and now hopes to see Tottenham follow suit by agreeing on terms with Atalanta for his transfer this summer. La Dea will also now sell him for less than Nottingham Forest offered over the January sales.

Reports by TuttoMercatoWEB noted the Reds satisfied Percassi with a loan proposal which included a €28m (£24.5m) buy option. Yet Atalanta would now accept €25m (£22m) amid interest from Tottenham, AC Milan and Inter in a transfer for Demiral in the summer sales.