Atalanta is reportedly moving closer to reaching an agreement with Galatasaray to bring Italy international Nicolò Zaniolo back to Serie A. The player, who missed out on EURO 2024 due to a foot injury, spent the previous season on loan at Aston Villa.
Zaniolo’s loan deal with Aston Villa included an option to buy for €22.5m plus additional add-ons totaling €15.5m. However, Villa opted not to activate the buy option as Zaniolo’s performance on the field was not up to expectations, with only three goals and no assists in 39 competitive matches.
The 25-year-old attacking midfielder has expressed his desire to return to Italy, which has led to interest from Atalanta, among other clubs. Despite links to Villarreal and Fiorentina, Atalanta seems to be the front-runners in securing Zaniolo’s signature.
Reports suggest that Atalanta is growing increasingly confident and optimistic about finalizing a deal for Zaniolo’s transfer from Galatasaray.