Marco Palestra’s future is very much up in the air and Manchester City now have the player’s preference.
Sport Witness have covered how Newcastle United have also made initial enquiries for the wing-back. They made a formal approach too but the player isn’t attracted by the destination.
Inter Milan have also been pushing, having made their first offer for the talent. This was rejected, with Atalanta aiming to earn €50m from his sale.
The Nerazzurri’s task is now getting difficult due to Manchester City, who can be frontrunners to sign him.
Atalanta’s price rising
Tuttomercatoweb report that Inter are at risk of repeating the Ademola Lookman saga. They couldn’t cough up enough money to convince Atalanta, who ended up selling the player to Atletico Madrid for a higher fee.
Manchester City’s involvement is complicating matters, with the player likely to be swayed by a move to England.
He isn’t interested in a switch to Newcastle United but Palestra would join the Citizens over Inter. If they make a formal offer, the ‘situation would change’, with Atalanta also hoping a big offer lands on their table soon.
Manchester City’s interest is helping La Dea. They now want over €50m for the Italian, with Inter asked to go the extra mile in their move.
Citizens move can wait
So far, Manchester City haven’t formally stepped forward for Palestra. Newcastle United have but it feels as if Atalanta are simply hoping the Citizens make major enquiries. It would come as a massive boost to their finances, especially as Palestra came through their youth academy.
Enzo Maresca is yet to take office at the Etihad and that is perhaps why a formal offer hasn’t been made.
At the same time, Inter can make crucial sales soon. Denzel Dumfries is joining Real Madrid and Davide Frattesi can yet depart. That can be a real game-changer and give them the required funds.