Bellanova ‘not for sale’ as Atalanta rebuff Fulham’s €20m offer

Atalanta have rebuffed Fulham’s interest in Raoul Bellanova, making clear the Italy wing-back is not for sale.

According to FirenzeViola, the Premier League club have moved concretely for the full-back, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that Fulham submitted a written offer, understood to be worth around €20m including bonuses.

Atalanta, however, have turned it down, with La Gazzetta dello Sport reporting that the Bergamo side consider the defender off of the market.

HARRISON, NEW JERSEY – MARCH 24: Raoul Bellanova #25 of Italy stands before the first half of the Ecuador v Italy – International Friendly at Red Bull Arena on March 24, 2024 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

Sarri keen to keep Bellanova at Atalanta despite Fulham interest

The reasoning is straightforward. Bellanova has featured heavily in pre-season under Maurizio Sarri, who regards him as an integral part of his plans, and Atalanta have no desire to lose a first-choice option so close to the start of the campaign. Barring an offer they deem impossible to refuse, the intention is to keep him.

Fulham are searching for a new right-back and see Bellanova as an ideal fit.

But with Atalanta holding firm, and other clubs, in Italy and abroad, also monitoring the situation, the London side may have to significantly improve their proposal, or turn their attention elsewhere.