A potential midfield transfer merry-go-round is brewing in Serie A, with Atalanta making a firm move for Cagliari’s Gianluca Gaetano, while the Sardinian club has already identified Inter’s Kristjan Asllani as a possible replacement. The deals could trigger a chain of moves that reshapes several squads ahead of the new season.
Atalanta Step Up Interest in Gianluca Gaetano
New Atalanta coach Maurizio Sarri has made Gianluca Gaetano one of his primary transfer targets, and the Bergamo club are now in active talks with Cagliari. According to Sky Sport Italia, a meeting took place on Monday evening between the two clubs to gauge the feasibility of a deal. Atalanta have tabled an opening bid of €12 million, while Cagliari are holding out for €18 million for the 24-year-old midfielder. There is growing hope that a compromise could be struck at around €15 million.
According to Sky Sport Italia, a meeting took place between the two clubs to discuss the possible agreement, with both sides keen to find a solution.
Gaetano has emerged as a key figure for Cagliari, contributing goals and creativity from midfield. His performances have not gone unnoticed, and Sarri sees him as an ideal fit for the tactical setup he plans to implement at the Gewiss Stadium.
Cagliari Line Up Replacements, Including Inter’s Asllani
Should Gaetano depart, Cagliari will need to fill the void in their midfield. Two names have already been moved to the front of the queue. The first is Michel Aebischer, the Switzerland international currently at Pisa. Reports earlier this week indicated that Cagliari were close to agreeing a €5 million fee for Aebischer, making him a ready-made and affordable option.
However, the more intriguing alternative is Kristjan Asllani. The Albanian midfielder is set to return to Inter after loan spells at Torino and Besiktas, but he does not appear to be in the first-team plans of the Nerazzurri. Tuttomercatoweb claims that Cagliari have already made an approach to Inter to sound out a potential deal. Asllani’s technical ability and Serie A experience make him an attractive prospect for the Rossoblù.
What Next for Kristjan Asllani?
After spending last season on loan at Besiktas following an earlier stint at Torino, the 23-year-old finds himself at a crossroads. Inter are willing to listen to offers, and a permanent move to Cagliari could offer Asllani the regular playing time he needs to reignite his career. The midfielder, once regarded as one of Italy’s most promising young deep-lying playmakers, still has the tools to succeed if given an extended run in a settled side.
Much will depend on the outcome of the Gaetano negotiations. If Atalanta meet Cagliari’s demands, the Sardinians will likely accelerate their pursuit of Asllani. For now, the pieces are moving, and a midfield domino effect across Serie A looks increasingly likely.
Quick Facts
Gianluca Gaetano: 24-year-old Cagliari midfielder, key figure in their recent campaigns.
Atalanta Offer: €12 million; Cagliari want €18 million; possible compromise €15 million.
Michel Aebischer: Close to €5 million move from Pisa to Cagliari as an alternative.
Kristjan Asllani: Returning to Inter after loans, Cagliari have approached for a permanent deal.
Key Takeaways
- Atalanta are in talks to sign Gianluca Gaetano from Cagliari, with a fee around €15 million possible.
- If Gaetano leaves, Cagliari want a replacement, eyeing Inter’s Kristjan Asllani and Pisa’s Michel Aebischer.
- Asllani’s future at Inter is uncertain after two loan spells; a permanent move could benefit all parties.
- The deals could spark a chain of transfers involving multiple Serie A clubs this summer.