Cagliari and Atalanta ‘in talks’ over Maldini and Esposito | OneFootball

Cagliari and Atalanta are negotiating twin moves involving Daniel Maldini and Sebastiano Esposito. Sky Sport reports that the Maldini deal is further along, a paid loan to Sardinia with an obligation to buy if set conditions are met, and it could be the first piece of a broader market relationship between the clubs.

Atalanta want certainty that Maldini’s transfer will be completed before opening concrete talks over Esposito.

Only once that is signed off would the clubs consider adding Esposito to the operation and discussing any cash adjustment. For now the two dossiers are on parallel tracks, separate but strategically linked.

Esposito was bought outright from Inter by Cagliari in June, but relations have cooled in recent weeks, making a fresh exit possible.

Even if he were to join Atalanta, there is no guarantee of an immediate loan. The Bergamo side regard the 24-year-old as a significant prospect and could look to bed him in gradually.

The next few days will show whether the deals are combined or remain distinct. With sporting directors Cristiano Giuntoli and Pietro Accardi in regular contact, an agreement that suits both clubs appears to be taking shape.

Source: Football Italia

Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.