Atalanta defender Rafael Toloi is attracting interest from several clubs across Europe ahead of the summer transfer window and the list includes the likes of Watford and Marseille.
According to Tuttomercato Web, there are many admirers for the 27-year-old following his impressive displays for his current employers. Inter were believed to be one of the clubs looking at the option of signing the centre-back at the end of the season.
However, the San Siro outfit are likely to end their interest in Toloi as they have set their sights on signing Stefan de Vrij. The Dutch international is currently at Lazio, but will be available on a free transfer after expressing his desire to leave the club in the summer.
Inter also signed Slovakian defender Milan Škriniar from Sampdoria last summer and will now turn their attention towards De Vrij. This means Toloi must look at other clubs, if he has to make a move away from Atalanta.
Premier League side Watford and Ligue 1 outfit Marseille have emerged as the other two options for the South American central defender. According to the report, the two clubs are ready to “submit a proposal” to secure Toloi’s signature.
However, Atalanta are unwilling to sanction his sale and want to retain him beyond the summer transfer window. The Brazilian has formed a partnership with Mattia Caldara, who is currently on loan at Atalanta from Juventus. The duo have been in impressive form for the Serie A outfit, which has seen then keep eight clean sheets.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side will lose Caldara as he will return to his parent club, Juventus, after the completion of the loan deal. Losing Toloi will be a big blow for Atalanta, especially if they qualify for next season’s Europa League. They are currently seventh in the table with 59 points after 36 games, trailing sixth place AC Milan by a point.
