Southampton are keen to finally sign long-term target Joakim Maehle in the January transfer window but, according to Alfredo Pedulla, Atalanta are also in for the Genk defender.
As Pedulla himself points out, Maehle and Atalanta are a match made in Serie A heaven.
La Dea coach Gian Piero Gasperini demands a few things from his players: adaptability, technical ability, a relentless work ethic and the determination to build on their undoubted potential.
So Maehle, a versatile, all-action, 23-year-old Denmark international, ticks a lot of boxes.
But while Atalanta are admired across the continent for their ability to turn promising youngsters into elite-level footballers, it must be remembered that Sadio Mane, Virgil van Dijk, Luke Shaw and co honed their talents at St Mary’s.
With Southampton in the market for a new right-back despite spending £12 million on Kyle Walker-Peters over the summer, Maehle also fits the bill for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Premier League surprise packages.
The Genk star saw an £11.5 million move to Marseille over the summer fail but has his heart set on departing the Belgian giants during the January transfer window.
“I want to leave as quickly as possible. It’s not always easy to go away in winter, but I think I’ll get there,” the six-cap Dane told Maxifoot recently.
“I haven’t discussed this with Genk again, but the club bosses know my point of view. In the meantime, I give my all for the club.”
Southampton have been tracking Maehle since late-2019 (Sky).
The swashbuckling full-back has produced 18 assists from right-back in the last two-and-a-half seasons.
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