Atalanta: Five signings who can help them challenge for the Serie A title

The Bergamo-based side has been doing wonders in the Italian top flight in the 19-20 season.

Breaking the shackles of orthodox pragmatic Italian football, Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini is a rebel. His attacking and free-flowing football has made the Bergamo-based side one of the most entertaining sides in Europe in recent seasons.

However, despite all the underdog stories, Atalanta are entering a phase where they will be looking to challenge Juventus for the Serie A title. But Atalanta is not known for its financial muscle rather it is their ability to scout talents and sign them at cost cut prices makes them different from other top Serie A sides. But to dethrone the Bianconeri, Gasperini will require some quality signings this summer.

Let's look at five possible transfers that can propel Atalanta as title challengers.

5. Teun Koopmeiners (CDM/CB)

One of the finest young talents in Europe at the moment, AZ Alkamaar's Teun Koopmeiners can be a top transfer target for Atalanta. The 23-year old midfielder who can also slot in as centre back can be a very useful player in La Dea's system.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98s5tNSSMPg

Koopmeiners is known for his ability to be press resistance and can be the anchor in the midfield for the Serie A outfit. Even in defence, the 23-year old is known for his ability to build up from the back. He is also a very adept setpiece taker. The Alkmaar captain is a proper ball progressor who can chip in with some goals, however, primarily gets involved in the buildup which will help Atalanta in the longer run.

The 23-year-old is also very matured and does his defensive job with aplomb. His interceptions and tackles have often bailed out Arne Slot's side last season. Therefore the Dutchman can be a very dynamic signing for La Dea for their title quest.

4. Malang Sarr (CB/LB)

It is so surprising when you think someone as talented as Malang Sarr is currently without a club after his contract expired with Ligue 1 outfit Nice. Therefore to improve the defence, Gasperini may look to bring the French defender to Bergamo this summer. The 21-year-old centre back has gathered a lot of experience at Nice and is ready to take a step forward.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Mb-dmcc3ys

Sarr is left-footed and can also slot in as a left-back which adds more dynamism to the backline. The Frenchman also has experience of playing in a three-man backline system which will help him adapt quickly at Bergamo. He is very comfortable to play out from the back and has a good range of passing. On top of that his physical presence makes him a threat on the field.

The Frenchman will add many layers to Gasperini's defence and considering he is a free agent this is a no brainer for Atalanta.

3. Ibrahim Sangare (CDM)

One of the top prospects in Ligue 1 from last season. The Toulouse midfielder has only one year left in his current contract and after his consistent performances in France, he will certainly be leaving the wooden spooners. Sangare can be a perfect fit in Gasperini's system as he also brings in physicality and progression in the middle of the park.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNAlbzfJV34

The 22-year old is known for his wide passing range and tireless attitude in midfield. The Ivorian averages 3.6 long balls every 90 minutes, which is excellent for a youngster playing for a bottom half team in France. Sangare's physical attributes allow him to take on multiple defenders at a time and he can be the ball carrier which Atalanta needs in the middle of the park. His 78% dribble accuracy again proves that there is plenty of potential in the Ivorian.

Lastly, he is also excellent on the defensive front, averaging 3.2 tackles every 90 minutes along with 1.4 interceptions every game. Sangare is a perfect box to box midfielder and adds the correct balance of attack and defence and is bound to thrive under a coach like Gasperini.

2. Alessandro Florenzi (RB/RWB)

A surprise addition to this list mainly due to the fact that Timothy Castagne is heavily linked with Tottenham Hotspurs and may leave this summer. Therefore AS Roma outcast, Alessandro Florenzi can act as the perfect replacement for Atalanta.

Florenzi has been a great player for the Giallorossi over the years but in 2020, he left Italy on loan to join Valencia where he has not impressed much. However, he can make a comeback to Italy and feature for Gasperini's men. Florenzi's adventurous runs down the right channel will complement Atalanta's free-flowing system seamlessly and it may also allow the Italian international to re-discover his form at Bergamo.

In Gasperini's system, the wingbacks play a very crucial role in creating chances for the forwards and Florenzi fits the bill perfectly. The 29-year-old may not be at his best right now but the experience and versatility that he brings to the table can propel Atalanta to greater heights.

1. Thiago Silva (CB)

A lot of people will raise their eyebrows looking at the name but if Atalanta can pull this off it will be a huge coup and can definitely convert them as title challengers next season. Silva is poised to leave PSG at the end of the 2019-20 season after several years of association. Despite being past his prime, the Brazilian is still putting up top defensive numbers and deserves another chance in Europe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJZmbBT2q9g

If Atalanta manages to snap the Brazilian defender then it will add a lot of experience to their backline, an area where they need to improve. Silva has himself won the Serie A with AC Milan back in 2010-11 season and on his day there's hardly anyone better than him.

It might be a very short term signing, which is something very uncharacteristic of Atalanta. However, the 35-year old still has a lot to offer. He would be the missing piece of the jigsaw in Gasperini's system. His defensive solidity and leadership at the back might just allow Atalanta to maximize their attacking prowess next season.