According to reports in Italy, Atalanta will sign Eric Berisha on a permanent deal from Lazio on Monday. This could now have implications for Aston Villa youngster Pierluigi Gollini, who is currently on loan with Atalanta.
TMW have reported on claims by Sky Italia that there’s white smoke on Atalanta signing Berisha. The white smoke claim is used in Italy to signify a deal is pretty much done and refers to when white smoke shows a new Pope has been chosen.
Atalanta recently commenced talks again with Lazio over redeeming Berisha for next season, after the move stalled due to Lazio’s demands.
Lazio initially wanted €7m for the Albania international, but the Italian club are now prepared to let him leave for €5m. It’s been claimed the goalkeeper’s transfer to Atalanta will be made official on Monday.
This puts question marks over Gollini’s future at Atalanta after he joined the club on loan from Aston Villa in January. The 22-year-old still has another 12 months on his loan deal with the Bergamo side, and his move to Italy can be made permanent for €3m next summer.
However, with Atalanta set to break their transfer record for a goalkeeper, it puts doubts on whether they would redeem the Aston Villa loanee next year.
Gollini only joined Aston Villa in the summer window, and was Roberto Di Matteo’s goalkeeper for the start of the season. However, with Steve Bruce replacing Di Matteo at Aston Villa, Gollini lost his place in the team to Sam Johnstone.
