Raoul Bellanova is ‘certain’ to leave Atalanta as Tottenham open transfer talks
Tottenham’s hunt for new attacking options has become one of the major themes of the summer rebuild, with Roberto De Zerbi determined to add more quality.
Spurs have already been linked with a number of exciting players as they rebuild the squad.
Bournemouth youngster El Junior Kroupi has become one of the club’s most talked-about attackers, while Man City winger Savinho has also featured heavily in reports.
Rafael Leao has been another name linked with a move to north London, highlighting Tottenham’s desire to strengthen after a big summer of spending.
Tottenham star Micky van de Ven reacts to Sandro Tonali’s £100m deal on social media
The Spurs made a team-record signing on Wednesday.
However, Spurs may now be looking for a player who can fill more than one role.
Tottenham open talks with Atalanta as De Zerbi targets Raoul Bellanova
According to Italian journalist Alessio Del Lungo of TuttoMercatoWeb, Tottenham have made contact with Atalanta’s move for Raoul Bellanova.
The report claims that the Italian international is ‘certain’ to leave Bergamo this summer, and a transfer is expected if the club meet Atalanta’s £17 million asking price.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
Alessio Del Lungo is a respected Italian football journalist who regularly reports on Serie A transfers via TuttoMercatoWeb. He has developed strong contacts within the Italian game and often breaks breaking news. Although his specialty is not universally confirmed, his reporting is generally considered reliable, especially in domestic transmission work. |
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Finance |
A fee of £17m makes Bellanova a realistic target for Tottenham, especially when compared to today’s cheap market for many established players. Spurs have already invested heavily this summer, but Bellanova’s price is still manageable. If Atalanta is really ready to sell, the financial side should not block the deal. |
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Understanding |
Bellanova progressed through AC Milan’s academy before moving on to several Italian clubs to gain experience, including Cagliari and rivals Inter. He rebuilt his reputation with strong performances in Serie A, securing a move to Atalanta. Known for his speed, stamina and attacking runs, he has once again broken into the Italian national team. |
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Impact |
Bellanova can provide Tottenham with serious pace and width from the right wing or at the back, suiting De Zerbi’s system which relies on attacking overload and aggressive transitions. His power running, crossing and recovery will suit the top line, while his athleticism adds depth and competitiveness to wide defensive positions quickly. |
That figure quickly makes the Bellanova one of the most affordable options available on the market today.
Who is Raoul Bellanova?
The 26-year-old has established himself as one of Serie A’s most dynamic wide players, making a name for himself with relentless runs, attacking intent, pace and quality delivery from the right.
Although naturally a full-back, Bellanova tends to play high enough to influence attacks as a winger, often creating chances with bursting runs and early crosses.
His profile makes him a good fit for De Zerbi.
Tottenham have invested heavily in midfield and defense this window, but are still focused on improving the team’s tactical flexibility.
Bellanova offers that, and is comfortable covering long distances, contributing defensively and providing real width when his team is in possession.
The reported £17m fee also represents a low risk compared to many of Spurs’ other transfer targets. In a market where many established players often cost upwards of £50 million, Bellanova would come in for a fraction of that cost while still having top-class experience in Italy.
Bellanova also joins the same representatives as Tottenham stars Pedro Porro, Djed Spence, Richarlison and James Maddison.
Competition could still emerge before the deal goes ahead, with Premier League rivals believed to be in talks.
However, Tottenham’s early contact suggests they are carefully assessing whether he could be another part of De Zerbi’s emerging squad.
From a tactical perspective, Bellanova’s versatility is perhaps his biggest selling point.
The former Inter Milan star will be more valuable as a full-back than an out-and-out player under De Zerbi. In a 3-4-3, his pace, power and crossing will allow him to dominate the entire right side, making it easy for opponents and giving Spurs a smart alternative to Porro/Spence.
He can play over the top, but his greatest strength comes when he attacks from deep with space to rush in.
At around £17 million, he looks like the kind of smart, low-risk player who could be one of Tottenham’s smartest pieces of business this summer.
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