Juventus plotting summer blitz of Atalanta aces

The Bianconeri’s shopping wishlist for shining stars from a leading Serie A rival is expensive, but there’s competition from Premier League clubs.
Atalanta's goal machine is a wanted man by Juve head coach Thiago Motta
Atalanta's goal machine is a wanted man by Juve head coach Thiago Motta | Marco Luzzani/GettyImages

Although Juventus aren’t fearful of raiding a rival side and splashing the cash, witnessed when they signed Teun Koopmeiners from Atalanta last August, the Turin titans are lining up others from the Bergamo club.

Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini brings his side to Turin for a mouth-watering Serie A tussle on Sunday, but he will be concerned that some of prized assets are wanted by Juve.

Striker Mateo Retegui, whizzy winger Ademola Lookman and defensive midfielder Ederson will all get the opportunity to show off first-hand their silky skills to their next potential employer.

Argentina-born Retegui has been in red-hot Serie A form this term, with a whopping 21 strikes and four goal assists in 25 outings.

That sort of return from the 25-year-old at Juventus next term would arguably transform the fortunes of the club under head coach Thiago Motta, who is desperately seeking a forward to possibly fill the boots of Dusan Vlahovic.

Sharp-shooter Retegui has a natural prowess for scoring inside the penalty area, with both his feet and head.

The Italian international often drops deep into midfield, where he can brilliantly hold up the ball before swift one-two moves with Lookman.

Retegui has burst into one of the best Serie A attackers under Gasperini, and the former Boca Juniors ace may be reluctant to change clubs.

Project Motta's dream duo

London-born Lookman alongside Retegui as part of Project Motta would certainly add more flair and scoring opportunities to the Bianconeri.

The 27-year-old Nigeria international is attracting firm interest from a plethora of Premier League sides, where he has previously played after coming through the ranks at Charlton Athletic. 

Defensive midfielder Ederson has been on Juve’s radar for the past three transfer windows, and on the club’s next wishlist.

Juventus would face stiff competition to secure the 25-year-old Brazil international, because Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United have joined the chase.

Bolstering a bitter rival in the Serie A title race is not on Atalanta’s agenda, but money talks and Juventus will throw the cash at trying to secure success following some indifferent seasons.