Atalanta, a prominent Italian football club currently vying for the Serie A title and holding a strong position in the Champions League, has set its sights on acquiring Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Recognizing the potential value of the English forward, whose contract with Everton expires at the end of the current season, Atalanta has dispatched a representative to Merseyside to initiate negotiations and explore the possibility of securing a pre-contract agreement. This strategic move would allow Atalanta to secure Calvert-Lewin’s services for the upcoming season without incurring a transfer fee, should Everton agree to the terms.
The pursuit of Calvert-Lewin highlights Atalanta’s ambition to bolster their attacking prowess and maintain their competitiveness both domestically and in European competitions. Calvert-Lewin, despite recent struggles with form and injuries, remains a player of considerable potential, having previously demonstrated his goal-scoring abilities and earning international caps for England. Atalanta’s interest also indicates their proactive approach to talent acquisition, aiming to secure a promising player ahead of other potential suitors.
Newcastle United, a Premier League club with significant financial resources, has also expressed keen interest in Calvert-Lewin, planning to acquire him on a free transfer in the summer. This presents a significant challenge for Atalanta, who will need to offer a compelling financial package to entice the player to join them immediately rather than waiting for Newcastle’s offer. This competition for Calvert-Lewin underscores the player’s perceived value and potential, despite his recent dip in performance.
Atalanta’s pursuit of Calvert-Lewin is not their first foray into the Everton talent pool. Last summer, they acquired defender Ben Godfrey, although that move hasn’t yielded the desired results, with Godfrey now back in England on loan to Ipswich Town. This previous experience with an Everton player might influence Atalanta’s approach to the Calvert-Lewin negotiations, potentially leading to a more cautious and thorough assessment of the player’s suitability for their system and their ability to revitalize his career.
Calvert-Lewin’s recent form has been a cause for concern. The once prolific striker, who reached double-digit goals in the Premier League during the 2020/21 season, has struggled to replicate that success. His current tally stands at two goals and one assist in 19 league appearances this season, a stark contrast to his earlier performances. This dip in form presents both a risk and an opportunity for Atalanta. The risk lies in the uncertainty of whether Calvert-Lewin can regain his previous scoring prowess. The opportunity lies in the potential to acquire a talented player at a potentially discounted price and revitalize his career in a new environment.
Atalanta’s pursuit of Dominic Calvert-Lewin represents a calculated gamble. They are vying for a player with undeniable potential but whose recent form has been underwhelming. They face stiff competition from a financially powerful Premier League club, and they need to convince Calvert-Lewin to choose their project over the allure of a potentially more lucrative offer. The success of this pursuit will depend on a variety of factors, including the financial terms offered by Atalanta, the player’s personal preferences, and the coaching staff’s ability to reintegrate him into a winning formula. The outcome of this transfer saga will undoubtedly have significant implications for both Atalanta and Calvert-Lewin’s future.
