Arsenal join the hunt for Bryan Cristante
According to the football transfer rumours in Italian media
, Arsenal join the hunt for Atalanta midfielder Bryan Cristante.
The Italy international joined Benfica from AC Milan for a fee in the region of 5.2 million euros in September 2014. His contract expires in the summer of 2019. In January 2017, Cristante was sent to Atalanta on 18-months-long loan.
Bryan Cristante made 46 appearances across all competitions for Atalanta, scoring 13 goals and supplying four assists in return.
The 23-year-old is considered to be one of the best midfielders in Italy.
Bryan Cristante has represented Italy at Under-16, Under-17, Under-18, Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 level, winning 31 caps and scoring seven goals, before making his senior international debut in October 2017. As a member of Italy national football team, Cristante won one cap.
The Italy international has impressed in Serie A this season and is starting to attract the interest of bigger clubs.
The Arsenal manager is in the market for a new midfielder when the transfer window reopens.
Arsène Wenger will reportedly be handed a huge transfer kitty this summer and the Atalanta midfielder is thought to be among the manager’s priorities.
According to Football Italia, “Atalanta have the option to buy him from Benfica for just €4m, but have already set his price-tag at €30m, hoping to spark a bidding war this summer. According to the latest reports, Arsenal are also now interested in purchasing Cristante, impressed by his performances in Serie A and the Europa League. They are the second Premier League side to be linked after Liverpool, but in Serie A the clubs making an approach include Juventus, Inter, Lazio and Napoli.”
Atalanta are preparing to sell their midfielder should they receive a massive offer for him.
TOP FOOTBALL TRANSFERS 2017-2018
Signing the 23-year-old in the summer transfer window would be a masterstroke from Arsène Wenger.
Stylistically, he would be a great fit in Arsenal.
If he turns out to be a star like many expect, it could be one of the club’s smartest transfers.