There is a growing sense that Atalanta have stolen a march in the race for Nicolò Savona. According to information gathered by GoalZaza, the Bergamo...
There is a growing sense that Atalanta have stolen a march in the race for Nicolò Savona. According to information gathered by GoalZaza, the Bergamo side have successfully ironed out personal terms with the player, a significant first hurdle cleared. Savona, a name that has been whispered with increasing urgency in recruitment circles, looks to have chosen La Dea as his preferred destination. That part, as they say, is done.Yet the real heavy lifting is only just beginning. GoalZaza understands that Atalanta now must open formal dialogue with Nottingham Forest, Savona's current club. And this is where the waters get murky. Forest, a club with Premier League resources and a stubborn streak in negotiations, hold all the cards in terms of contract length and valuation. They will not be bullied into a quick sale, and they know full well that Atalanta's model relies on finding value before the vultures circle. This is a game of patience, not panic.What makes Savona so compelling, and why Atalanta have pushed this far, is his rare blend of tactical flexibility and raw athleticism. He is not your typical midfield anchor; he can drop into a back three, push forward as a box to box runner, or sit in front of the defence and dictate tempo. Gian Piero Gasperini's system demands players who can read the game in multiple phases, and Savona fits that profile like a glove. He offers cover in several positions without being a jack of all trades, master of none. That is a precious commodity.Of course, the cynic might ask: why would Forest let him go The answer is money and timing. Savona is entering the final stretch of his contract, and unless he signs an extension, his value will depreciate by the month. Forest know they cannot afford to let him run down his deal. For Atalanta, this is a calculated gamble. They are betting that Forest's desire to cash in now outweighs their need to keep a player who may not be a guaranteed starter at the City Ground.So where does that leave us Right in the middle of a typical transfer tug of war. The personal terms are agreed, the groundwork is laid. Now it comes down to the hard numbers and the willingness of both clubs to blink first. If Atalanta can get this over the line without a bidding war, they will have pulled off another piece of shrewd business. If not, well, there is always another name on the list. But for Savona, the destination is clear. The only question is whether the price will match his ambition.
