Ivan Juric’s Atalanta are reportedly ready to battle it out to acquire the services of Manchester City sensation James McAtee.
James McAtee could end up parting ways with Manchester City this summer as he looks for regular first-team action. According to Gazzetta dello Sport via SportWitness, Atalanta are one of the clubs keen on signing the English youth international, who is also on the wishlist of Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Ajax.
McAtee has been a part of the Manchester City youth setup since his childhood days. He went up the ranks at some pace and got promoted to their first team in the summer of 2023. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has had two successful loan spells at Sheffield United.
While he was a part of the City first team last season, he didn’t get much game time under Pep Guardiola. He was involved in 27 matches and racked up less than 1,000 minutes. The City graduate certainly has a lot of potential, but he is unlikely to have regular minutes next season as well.
As a result, his future has become a big talking point. With him entering the final year of his contract at City, multiple top clubs are looking to prise him. Atalanta are one of the clubs that are interested in signing him.
Multiple top clubs could battle for McAtee’s signature
The Italian club are gearing up to feature in the Champions League next season following a top-four finish last time out. They seek more quality in the final third, and they feel the 22-year-old could do wonders for them. They are looking to lure him to the club by offering an important role in their team and the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
Atalanta are not the only club that are interested in him, as he is also on the radar of Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Ajax. All four European giants are constantly looking to sign some of the best young players, and they see this as a great opportunity.
While La Dea are yet to make an official offer, they are certainly considering knocking on City’s door in the near future. They are closely monitoring his situation, and developments are only expected once City make a decision on his future.
The Manchester-based giants could look to cash in on him, but if they decide to sanction another temporary departure, they will first have to hand him a new deal. As a result, it is certainly one to keep an eye on.