Atalanta Targets Udinese's Kristensen, Considers West Ham's Todibo as Backup

Atalanta is prioritizing the acquisition of Udinese's Thomas Kristensen to strengthen their defense. Should negotiations for Kristensen prove too challenging, Jean-Clair Todibo of West Ham is being considered as an alternative.

According to reports from calciomercato.com, Danish center-back Kristensen is the preferred choice for Cristiano Giuntoli to anchor Maurizio Sarri's defensive unit. However, Udinese has indicated that they will only consider selling Kristensen if an exceptionally attractive offer is presented.

Atalanta is reportedly willing to offer between €20-25 million for the player. Udinese's technical director, Gökhan Inler, has acknowledged the external interest in Kristensen, stating, "there are interested clubs who want him," but emphasized that "He’s our player; as long as he’s here, he’s an Udinese player," suggesting no immediate departure.

Kristensen's role as captain in Udinese's recent victory over Barcelona in a friendly tournament further highlights his significance to the team.

Kristensen Favored Over Todibo in Atalanta's Defensive Overhaul

This potential transfer is part of a broader defensive restructuring at Atalanta. The team needs to replace the departing veteran captain Berat Djimsiti, who is moving to Saudi Arabia's Al-Diriyah. Manager Maurizio Sarri is keen to bring in a defender who can imprint his style on a backline previously shaped by previous coaches.

Kristensen, an imposing 198cm presence, has been admired by Giuntoli since his time at Juventus and is the primary target. The main hurdle in securing this deal is Udinese's valuation of the player.

If the pursuit of Kristensen becomes financially unfeasible, Atalanta may turn their attention to Todibo. The French international is expected to depart West Ham following their relegation from the Premier League. However, Todibo's considerable Premier League wages and competition from other clubs, including Juventus, present different challenges for Atalanta.

For the time being, Kristensen remains Atalanta's top defensive target.

English Translation

Atalanta is prioritizing the acquisition of Udinese's Thomas Kristensen to strengthen their defense. Should negotiations for Kristensen prove too challenging, Jean-Clair Todibo of West Ham is being considered as an alternative.

According to reports from calciomercato.com, Danish center-back Kristensen is the preferred choice for Cristiano Giuntoli to anchor Maurizio Sarri's defensive unit. However, Udinese has indicated that they will only consider selling Kristensen if an exceptionally attractive offer is presented.

Atalanta is reportedly willing to offer between €20-25 million for the player. Udinese's technical director, Gökhan Inler, has acknowledged the external interest in Kristensen, stating, "there are interested clubs who want him," but emphasized that "He’s our player; as long as he’s here, he’s an Udinese player," suggesting no immediate departure.

Kristensen's role as captain in Udinese's recent victory over Barcelona in a friendly tournament further highlights his significance to the team.

Kristensen Favored Over Todibo in Atalanta's Defensive Overhaul

This potential transfer is part of a broader defensive restructuring at Atalanta. The team needs to replace the departing veteran captain Berat Djimsiti, who is moving to Saudi Arabia's Al-Diriyah. Manager Maurizio Sarri is keen to bring in a defender who can imprint his style on a backline previously shaped by previous coaches.

Kristensen, an imposing 198cm presence, has been admired by Giuntoli since his time at Juventus and is the primary target. The main hurdle in securing this deal is Udinese's valuation of the player.

If the pursuit of Kristensen becomes financially unfeasible, Atalanta may turn their attention to Todibo. The French international is expected to depart West Ham following their relegation from the Premier League. However, Todibo's considerable Premier League wages and competition from other clubs, including Juventus, present different challenges for Atalanta.

For the time being, Kristensen remains Atalanta's top defensive target.