Atalanta competing with Roma for Atletico’s Jack Raspadori | OneFootball

The battle for Giacomo Raspadori has intensified as a new domestic rival enters the fray. According to Corriere dello Sport, Atalanta have emerged as a significant challenger to Roma for the Atletico Madrid forward, with manager Raffaele Palladino reportedly identifying the Italian international as the ideal reinforcement for his attacking midfield.

While Roma remain determined to bring Jack to the capital to satisfy Gian Piero Gasperini’s demand for reinforcements, they face stiff competition and a firm financial stance from Madrid. The Giallorossi have already seen a first proposal rejected: a €2 million loan with a €15 million redemption clause. Atletico are holding out for a total package of at least €22 million—the amount they spent to sign him from Napoli last summer—and would prefer a definitive obligation to buy, potentially linked to Champions League qualification.

The report suggests that a relaunch from Roma involving a €3 million loan plus a €17-18 million obligation could bridge the gap. However, the player himself remains cautious. While honored by the interest from Roma and Gasperini, Raspadori is waiting for clarity from Diego Simeone regarding his role in the Spanish capital after a first half of the season where he saw limited starts.

For Roma, securing Raspadori is seen as a crucial step to “soften” Gasperini’s frustrations over a lack of winter arrivals, especially as the pursuit of Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United faces delays.

Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN