Atalanta have rejected a €20m offer from Fulham for wing-back Raoul Bellanova after manager Maurizio Sarri deemed the 26-year-old defender indispensable to his squad. The Cottagers are the latest Premier League outfit to see their approach rebuffed, with Everton also failing with an earlier attempt for the versatile Italy international this summer.
Bergamo hierarchy blocks exit
The Serie A side have rejected a formal €20m (£17m/$23m) bid from Fulham to bring Bellanova to the Premier League. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that the La Dea hierarchy has no plans to part ways with the 26-year-old Italian international during the current summer window. The firm stance follows direct intervention from new head coach Sarri, who urged the board to take the wing-back off the market.
Former coach limited minutes
The development marks a significant turning point for Bellanova, who found himself on the fringes under former boss Raffaele Palladino after making just 24 Serie A appearances last term. However, Sarri’s arrival in Bergamo has transformed the player’s fortunes, with the veteran tactician an avid admirer of the defender’s work ethic, physical stamina, and explosive technical traits. The former Lazio manager is determined to make him a cornerstone of his tactical set-up next season, firmly shutting the door on Premier League interest following Everton’s initial approach earlier in the window.
Flank depth remains essential
The decision to retain the former Milan and Inter wide player is deemed critical after Atalanta sanctioned young prospect Marco Palestra’s move to Chelsea, leaving the Bergamo club unable to afford further departures at right-back. Furthermore, first-choice full-back Davide Zappacosta has now turned 34 and cannot reasonably be expected to shoulder a relentless fixture schedule single-handedly. Bellanova’s blend of peak age, blistering pace down the flank, and sharp attacking instincts makes him the ideal long-term successor on the right side of Sarri’s defence.
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