Cagliari and Atalanta in talks over Maldini and Esposito | OneFootball

Cagliari and Atalanta are in ongoing discussions over potential transfers, with Daniel Maldini and Sebastiano Esposito at the heart of the talks.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, citing Sky Sport, the more advanced of the two deals concerns Maldini, who could move to Sardinia on a paid loan with an obligation to buy triggered by certain conditions.

The Atalanta forward’s switch to Cagliari is being worked through in detail and could serve as the first piece of a wider market relationship between the two clubs.

ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Daniel Maldini of Lazio gestures during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Atalanta want Maldini deal sealed before Esposito talks with Cagliari

Atalanta’s position, however, is clear. Before opening concrete talks over Esposito, the Bergamo club want certainty that Maldini’s move to Cagliari will be completed.

Only once that is signed off would the two sides consider folding the Cagliari striker into the operation and discussing any cash adjustment. For now, the two deals are running on parallel tracks, separate, but linked by the shared strategies of the respective managements.

Esposito’s situation adds a further layer. The forward, signed permanently from Inter by Cagliari only in June, has seen his relationship with the Sardinian club sour in recent weeks, making a fresh departure a genuine possibility.

Yet even if he does join Atalanta, it is not certain he would be moved on or loaned out immediately: Atalanta regard the 24-year-old as an important prospect and could opt to keep him and integrate him gradually into their plans.

The coming days will determine whether the two operations are formally combined or continue independently, but with sporting directors Cristiano Giuntoli and Pietro Accardi in regular contact, an agreement that suits both clubs appears to be taking shape.