Italian reporter Alfredo Pedulla claims Diego Simeone is ‘crazy’ about luring Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini to Atletico Madrid – amid reports that Liverpool and Tottenham are also interested in landing the Serie A wonderkid.
Scalvini, 19, has broken into Atalanta’s first team over the past 18 months – clocking up 37 senior games. In that time, he has become a regular under Gian Piero Gasperini in a back three. He has a long deal at Atalanta until June 2027.
Italian newspaper Gazzetta Dello Sport claim that Liverpool and Manchester City are among the clubs to sign Scalvini. He would cost a fee of £34million. CMW say that Spurs have also shown interest in the three-time Italy star recently.
But now, Pedulla claims that Atletico Madrid are leading the race to sign Scalvini. Simeone is “crazy” for the young Italy ace. A move is much more likely in the summer, with Scalvini happy at his boyhood club as things stand at Atalanta.
Pedulla: Simeone crazy about Scalvini amid Tottenham, Liverpool reports
Scalvini is one of the best young defenders coming through in Serie A. What makes him stand out, aside from his 6ft 4in frame, is that he is also versatile. Able to play in a four-man defence, anywhere in a back three – or even in midfield.
If the reports are true that a fee of £34million would be enough for Atalanta to wave goodbye to the defender, then a number of clubs are going to be keen. A move to Atleti would suit him, he would probably start in Simeone’s side.
At Liverpool, he could be a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk who is struggling to recapture his best form. With Spurs, it might be down to whether Antonio Conte remains. City have better defenders. Atleti would be a great move.
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