Ederson: Man United refuse to give up on signing Atalanta star | OneFootball

Manchester United are refusing to give up hope of agreeing a bombshell hijack for Atalanta enforcer Ederson, if the latest report from Italy is to be believed.

Fixing the Engine Room

The Red Devils are prioritising an overhaul of their midfield unit this summer, with two new signings expected to arrive at Old Trafford. Despite enjoying a resurgent campaign, Casemiro will depart in May as INEOS have ruled against triggering a twelve-month extension in the 34-year-old Brazilian’s exorbitant contract.

Similarly, Manuel Ugarte has proven to be an abject recruitment decision by the club’s hierarchy, offering zero justification for the £50.5 million outlay to capture him from Paris Saint-Germain two years ago.

The primary target is Nottingham Forest powerhouse Elliot Anderson, while Carlos Baleba (Brighton), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) and Sandro Tonali (Newcastle) are also high on the radar, as Premier League-proven operators are the focus. However, the club are extending their search beyond these shores for the ‘second’ recruit in the hope of striking a cheaper deal for a midfielder on the continent.

This has led United to reignite interest in Ederson, the 26-year-old Brazil international who has been a long-term target in M16.

Contact is made

Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web claims the Red Devils have made “concrete efforts” to try and reach an agreement on a deal by holding talks with Atalanta.

A host of clubs across Europe are also interested, with Atletico Madrid understood to be the frontrunners after agreeing personal terms with Ederson in the January window.

David Ornstein (The Athletic) also reveals Arsenal are rivalling United for the Brazilian. Inter Milan are another side said to be carefully monitoring the situation at their rivals.

Ederson’s contract in Bergamo expires next year, meaning this is Atalanta’s last chance to command a fee for their midfield general. Despite this relatively weak negotiating position, La Dea are asking for between €45-50 million (£39-44m) as they hope to spark a bidding war between his big suitors.

Possessing a potent pairing of size and strength, the Campo Grande native offers a profile which appears perfectly suited to the cut and thrust of Premier League football. He has played in both a midfield three and a double pivot during his time with Atalanta, playing a pivotal role in their Europa League triumph in 2023.

Final Thoughts

It’s clear why United are preparing to hijack Atletico’s deal for Ederson, as the price, though steep for a player with an expiring contract, pales in comparison to the fees bandied about for targets in England.

Furthermore, Ederson fits the mould of hungry talents yet to enter their prime, looking to make that jump to an elite club. His attitude and work-rate are both outstanding, though there are concerns over his technical ability.

Ederson is understood to be keen on a move this summer, with interest in playing in either LaLiga or the Premier League. If INEOS are able steal in ahead of their rivals in Madrid and north London to convince the Brazilian his future lies in Manchester, it will be a signing as brutal as it is sweet.

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