Ian Maatsen or Tyrell Malacia? Atalanta to pick between Aston Villa and Man Utd players in search for new left-back

Atalanta are considering a move for Aston Villa's Ian Maatsen, but have Tyrell Malacia on their list of targets as they look for a new left-back.

  • in talks to sign Rodrigo Muniz
  • Club wants to add a left-back next 
  • Maatsen and Malacia on the club’s radar

Ian Maatsen or Tyrell Malacia? Atalanta to pick between Aston Villa and Man Utd players in search for new left-backIan Maatsen or Tyrell Malacia? Atalanta to pick between Aston Villa and Man Utd players in search for new left-backIan Maatsen or Tyrell Malacia? Atalanta to pick between Aston Villa and Man Utd players in search for new left-back

Beyond finding proper replacement for Ademola Lookman should he depart the club, Atalanta coach Ivan Juric’s top priority remains to find and a left-back to bolster the backline. The Bergamo club have landed on Maatsen and Malacia to solve their defensive shortcomings. The side are also keeping tabs on ‘s Ismail Jakobs, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Italian club were previously interested in signing Diego Moreira from , but were not willing to meet his high valuation. Resorting to other targets, the club are particularly interested in Maatsen due to his impressive loan stint with in 2024, during which the club also reached the finals. Malacia and Jakobs are good alternatives, but both stars have faced recent injuries. A move for Maximiliano Araujo from is also off the table as the club are keeping the non-EU registration spot open for Muniz.

Atalanta are closing in on the signing of ‘s Rodrigo Muniz, with the two clubs discussing a few bonus terms and the fixed transfer fees. Fulham have reportedly kept an asking price of €45 million (£39m/$52m) for the forward. Muniz is also open to moving to , and the club are prioritising his transfer before starting new negotiations for their preferred left-back.

The Serie A season kicks off in a week, and Jurić has only limited time to focus on the team’s tactics. The club are also working extensively to get Juric his targets before their opening fixture against on August 25.