Everton have stepped up their interest in Raoul Bellanova by making formal enquiries about the Atalanta winger’s availability. The Merseyside club join a growing list of Premier League suitors tracking the Italy international, who is expected to leave Serie A this summer.
Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest and Fulham have all previously been linked with moves for the 26-year-old, who operates primarily on the right wing but can also fill in on the left flank. Reports indicate that Bellanova does not figure in new coach Maurizio Sarri’s plans at the Gewiss Stadium, making a departure increasingly likely.
Significant investment at risk
Atalanta only secured Bellanova’s services 12 months ago, paying Torino €24.3 million plus additional bonuses in the summer of 2024. That substantial outlay now appears at risk as the Bergamo club contemplate cutting their losses on a player who struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular.
Despite making 36 competitive appearances across all competitions last season, Bellanova provided just two assists and battled persistent muscular injuries that disrupted his rhythm. His inability to convince the previous management has carried over into Sarri’s tenure, with the former Lazio coach reportedly favouring other options in wide areas.
International pedigree and previous clubs
Bellanova boasts experience at some of Italy’s most storied institutions. He developed through the youth academies of both Milan and Inter, though he never broke into either senior side permanently. Loan spells at Cagliari preceded a permanent switch to Torino, where he impressed sufficiently to earn his move to Atalanta.
His domestic form has translated to international recognition. Bellanova has collected six senior caps for the Azzurri since making his debut in March 2024, adding another dimension to his appeal for English clubs seeking proven top-flight quality.
What happens next
With four Premier League clubs now circling, Atalanta face a decision on whether to cash in or attempt to integrate Bellanova into Sarri’s system. Given the enquiry from Everton and sustained interest from Tottenham, Forest and Fulham, a return to Italy with another club seems less probable than a switch to England.
The coming weeks will prove crucial as Bellanova’s representatives field approaches. Atalanta will hope to recoup as much of their initial investment as possible, though the player’s injury record and peripheral status may limit their negotiating position.