Antonio Conte is reportedly interested in signing Antonin Barak at Tottenham Hotspur, but Atalanta could disrupt the Italian’s plans for the Hellas Verona star’s transfer this summer.
That’s according to Calciomercato, who note La Dea are also showing interest in a deal for the 27-year-old. The Bergamo natives are beginning to draw up their off-season plans with Gian Piero Gasperini having failed to qualify for next term’s Champions League campaign.
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Atalanta have qualified for UEFA’s premier club competition with third-place finishes in all of the past three Serie A seasons. But a run of four wins over 18 games has left the Gewiss Stadium outfit in eighth-place with three games to go, 13 points outside the top-four spots.
Gasperini and the Dea hierarchy are now waiting for the season to end to refresh their side over the summer. Among the names Atalanta are interested in includes Hellas Verona star Barak, who TuttoMercatoWEB also recently reported Conte wants to see Tottenham sign.
Antonio Conte interested in Antonin Barak transfer to Tottenham
Barak has produced an amazing season with Hellas Verona to leave Conte interested in his transfer to Tottenham. The Spurs boss and managing director Fabio Paratici have enjoyed shopping in Serie A for Cristian Romero and Dejan Kulusevski, and want to add Barak, too.
Paratici is ready to satisfy Conte’s strong wish for Barak’s transfer with Tottenham fighting for Champions League qualification. And Calciomercato boost their possible pursuit, as the Italian publication claim Hellas Verona will sell their Czech star starting from €20m (£17m).
Hellas Verona president Maurizio Setti had rubbished suggestions he would sell Tottenham target Kabak for €25m (£21m) back in January. But the 30-cap international could now seal a move for less, despite scoring 11 goals and providing four assists over 28 Serie A games.
“How much is Barak worth? Let’s say a lot,” Setti stated, via quotes by Hellas1903. “I read certain numbers and it makes me laugh; €25m? I don’t know, I think they are few. It is not me who decides the price, but who the player wants.
“Now we hold it tight but surely, I understand that it is an important moment for him, he is mature. He needs to go to a big club, due to his characteristics he can play in the top four-five clubs in Europe. But we wait and if it continues like this the price goes up.”
Tottenham may be more receptive to offering Hellas Verona €20m (£17m) before add-ons for Conte to seal Barak’s summer transfer. But Atalanta’s interest could threaten to disrupt the Italian and Paratici’s plans for the off-season, as they strive to bounce back next term.
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