Atalanta Joins Premier League Clubs in Race for Ligue 1 Defender Kevin Danso

Atalanta has reportedly joined two Premier League clubs in the hunt for the highly-rated Lens defender Kevin Danso. According to French publication Foot Mercato, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men have established a link with the center-back’s camp to discuss a potential deal.

Ligue 1 giants Lens value their prized asset at €25 million and would ideally retain his services, as they did last summer when Napoli tried to lure him to Italy. Despite Napoli's valiant effort to sign Danso 12 months ago, the Austria international eventually penned a contract extension at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Only one year later, he could be on the move, with Atalanta bidding to take him to Serie A to plug their defensive leaks amid the uncertainty surrounding Berat Djimsiti’s future.

In addition to the Albanian defender, Atalanta must find a long-term replacement for veteran star Rafael Toloi. Though the Italian is a dependable center-back, he’s well past his prime, with recurring injury issues plaguing his contribution in 2023/24. Danso is the club’s choice to fill the void.

However, Atalanta must act quickly to secure Danso’s services. The Italian club cannot compete with the financial prowess of West Ham and Wolves. Selling Teun Koopmeiners to Juventus would give them enough money to get a deal over the line, but Gasperini’s men are reportedly reluctant to do business with their bitter Serie A rivals.