The Nerazzurri (Atalanta) would consider parting with the striker, who is also liked by Milan, for this figure or more. An offer from the Arabs is possible.
The price is set by the market, meaning the meeting of supply and demand. In Mateo Retegui`s case, the price is being dictated by a potential offer from Al Qadsiah of Saudi Arabia, which could arrive soon. They have been circling the target for a few days, awaiting the opportunity to present an offer deemed acceptable to Atalanta.
The Comparison
Retegui is not for sale, just like all Atalanta players. Over the years, the club has built enviable financial stability, allowing it to manage everything with great autonomy and composure. However, everything has a price, and in this case, the figure would be no less than 50 million euros plus some bonuses. A point of comparison we could use to understand the basis of this valuation is Moise Kean`s release clause, valid until July 15th. Retegui is only ten months older (born in April 1999, while the Fiorentina striker was born in February 2000) and scored 3 more goals than his national teammate in the last season (28 to 25 including all competitions). In short, based on objective data, the two are on very similar paths. Evaluations of the players` different characteristics then become subjective, and we stop there. So, if Kean `costs` 52 million until July 15th, it`s reasonable to expect a similar or slightly higher offer for Retegui. This is why 5 million in bonuses might be added to the base 50 million. Al Qadsiah`s financial resources are substantial enough to handle such a negotiation and to offer the Serie A top scorer an annual salary of 20 million net (a three-year deal is conceivable). To finalize such a move, both Atalanta`s and the player`s approval are needed. Retegui would then have to decide whether or not to move to a league that his countrymen Riccardo Orsolini and Kean have currently opted against. These are personal, entirely free choices. Amidst this scenario, Milan remains on the sidelines, a careful observer.
Milan Waits and Watches
Retegui is the preferred target for the Rossoneri, the profile identified to add alongside Santiago Gimenez. However, the presence of the Saudi club makes everything more complicated for Milan, as they cannot reach those figures, which are considered too high. Not to mention the 20 million salary – if confirmed – which no one in Serie A can afford. Furthermore, Milan is currently busy strengthening other areas of the squad (full-backs and midfield with Ardon Jashari), and therefore would not have the capacity to compete with the Saudis. It would perhaps be an operation for August, when the core of the Rossoneri squad is closer to its final form. This is why the price will be set by Al Qadsiah, who could reach their target directly. At that point, if they obtain Atalanta`s approval, Retegui would have to provide an answer. His season in Bergamo was exceptional, and he would be deciding on a professional and personal life change. Al Qadsiah has top ambitions after finishing 4th in the last league season (-15 from champions Al Ittihad): they are coached by Spaniard Michel and have a couple of familiar faces from Italian football in their squad, such as Nahitan Nandez and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
