Fulham and Crystal Palace Forwards Closely Monitored by Bergamo Club
Atalanta continues to meticulously monitor the transfer market, even as the situation with Ademola Lookman unfolds. The Bergamo-based club`s sporting department is primarily focused on two key positions: a central striker, followed by a left winger. Furthermore, if Lookman`s sale materializes, the club will then assess the need for an additional player in that area, keeping in mind their prior €20 million investment in Kamaldeen Sulemana.
The Brazilian Target
Let`s begin with the central striker position. Two names have now reportedly moved ahead of all other contenders, both pointing to London: Rodrigo Muniz from Fulham and Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace. Muniz, a Brazilian born in 2001, was brought to Europe by the London club in the summer of 2021 from Flamengo. Since arriving on the continent, this forward has been working to enhance his goal-scoring ability. While he has already demonstrated proficiency in holding up the ball, stretching, and disrupting opposing defenses, a striker`s primary focus must be on finding the net. Two seasons ago, he scored 9 Premier League goals, followed by 8 in the most recent campaign. There is undoubtedly room for further improvement. His market value has significantly increased in recent weeks; originally acquired for €8 million, he is now valued at five times that amount.
The French Contender
Mateta, on the other hand, presents a different profile. He is older (born in 1997), more experienced (having won the FA Cup with Crystal Palace and an Olympic silver medal with France in 2024), and possesses distinct technical and physical attributes. He is considered more of a pure goalscorer than Muniz and could even potentially play alongside Gianluca Scamacca. All these factors are currently being weighed by Atalanta. Mateta`s valuation is also higher than Muniz`s.
The French attacker has a commitment that currently ties him to Crystal Palace. This Sunday afternoon at Wembley, the Community Shield, England`s Super Cup, will be played between his team and Liverpool. Mateta earned his place in this match by winning the FA Cup last season, and he would certainly not want to miss it. Therefore, any transfer negotiation must take this fixture into account. As for the left winger position, Diego Moreira of Strasbourg remains at the top of the list. His valuation has soared, exceeding €30 million, partly due to the influence of Chelsea, which `controls` the French club.
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