Atalanta are actively seeking reinforcements for their left flank during the current transfer window. This necessity arises following the recent transfer of Matteo Ruggeri to Atletico Madrid, leaving a vacancy in Gian Piero Gasperini`s squad.
The Bergamo club had reportedly identified El Hadji Malick Diouf, a defender from Slavia Prague, as a prime target to fill this role. However, the often unpredictable nature of the football transfer market appears to have intervened.
According to reports emanating from the English press, Premier League side West Ham United has made significant progress in securing Diouf`s signature. A deal valued at approximately £27 million is said to be close to completion, potentially redirecting the Senegalese player`s future towards London rather than Bergamo.
With their initial target seemingly heading to England, Atalanta are now pivoting their attention. Their focus is reportedly shifting back towards a player previously linked with the club: Filip Kostic, the Serbian international currently on the books at Juventus.
Kostic, aged 32, spent the 2024-25 campaign on loan at Turkish club Fenerbahce. He has since returned to Juventus and even featured for the team under new coach Igor Tudor in the recent Club World Cup fixtures. Despite these appearances, he is widely considered available for transfer as Juventus undertakes a squad restructuring ahead of the upcoming season.
The versatile left-sided player offers experience and a profile that could appeal to Atalanta, capable of operating in various roles down the left wing. As the transfer window continues its busy schedule, it appears West Ham`s move for Diouf has prompted Atalanta to explore alternative, perhaps more readily available, options like the experienced Juventus winger.
