Manchester United will have to cough up a significant amount if they wish to sign defender Cristian Romero. The center-back could change his clubs twice in the same window, considering his move to Atalanta hasn’t been finalized yet.
According to a report by Calciomercato, Serie A side has slapped a €60 million price tag on centre-back Cristian Romero. The Argentinian is on loan in Bergamo until June 2022, after which La Dea have the option to purchase him outright. However, the report claims that Atalanta are planning on buying the youngster this summer itself and could shift him on for a huge fee, subsequently.
United are among the clubs keen on Romero, some reports have indicated. The youngster has also generated interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona. Romero is currently owned by Juventus, who bought him from Genoa in 2019 before sending him out on loan to Atalanta last season. The 23-year-old, who is yet to make a single appearance for the Bianconeri, was named Serie A’s Defender of the Year for the 2020/21 season.
Atalanta reportedly have the option to purchase him outright for €16 million, which they are looking to trigger in the coming weeks. The Bergamo-based club will then look towards a figure of €60 million to sell him to another club.
Meanwhile, another Atalanta star who could potentially attract many suitors this summer is Joakim Maehle. The Danish right-back joined La Dea in January 2021, but, following an impressive European Championships during which he helped Denmark reach the semi-finals, is already attracting interest from bigger clubs.
Maehle played as a left-wing-back for Denmark and scored goals in consecutive wins over Russia and Wales. However, the youngster is comfortable playing either side of the defence.
Atalanta paid €11 million to Genk for Maehle in January but would be willing to let him go for a figure of around €30 million. The 24-year-old has attracted interest – reportedly – from Chelsea, while Southampton, too, have been linked with him recently.
