Bologna have rejected an improved offer worth €35 million plus bonuses from Atalanta for winger Jonathan Rowe, maintaining their stance that the former Marseille and Norwich City attacker will not be sold during the closing stages of the summer transfer window.
The Serie A club dismissed a previous bid of €30m from the Bergamo outfit only last week. Despite the increased financial proposal, which represents a significant markup on their earlier attempt, Atalanta have been told that Rowe is not available for transfer as Bologna look to preserve squad depth for the campaign ahead.
Policy Prevents Third Departure
The Rossoblu have already sanctioned two significant departures this summer, with striker Santiago Castro joining Roma and defender Jhon Lucumi moving to Juventus. According to Sky Sport Italia, the club operates a strict internal policy of losing no more than two key first-team players during any single transfer window.
Having reached this self-imposed limit, Bologna have made clear to Atalanta that Rowe will not be permitted to leave regardless of the final figure offered. The English winger has emerged as a priority target for the Bergamo side following spells in France and England, but the Rossoblu are unwilling to further weaken their attacking unit having already lost Castro to a domestic rival.
Alternative Targets
With the transfer window closing next week, Atalanta face a crucial decision over whether to test Bologna’s resolve with a third bid substantially exceeding €35m, or redirect their efforts elsewhere. Sky reports that Napoli winger Noa Lang remains under active consideration should negotiations for Rowe prove impossible to revive.
The standoff leaves Atalanta weighing the cost of further investment against the risk of entering the new season without additional reinforcements out wide. Bologna, meanwhile, appear prepared to retain Rowe until at least January, prioritising competitive stability over transfer revenue despite the significant Italian market interest in the former Norwich City player.