Atalanta consider move for England U21 star at Manchester City after Retegui | OneFootball

Reports in Italy suggest that Atalanta are among the clubs interested in pursuing a deal with Manchester City for England U21 star James McAtee after agreeing a deal to sell top goalscorer Mateo Retegui to Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah.

According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Atalanta are considering making a move to sign McAtee, who faces a tough challenge in breaking into the Manchester City starting line-up on a regular basis.

The 22-year-old has spent the entirety of his career, youth and senior, on City’s books. He spent two consecutive seasons out on loan with Sheffield United, initially in the Championship and then in the Premier League for 2023-24.

Reports Atalanta interested in McAtee deal with Man City

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 12: James McAtee of Manchester City scores his team’s fourth goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Crystal Palace FC at Etihad Stadium on April 12, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

McAtee was back in the City first team for the 2024-25 season, but was limited to just 15 Premier League appearances, only three of which came as a starter.

Now, with only a year remaining on his current contract, McAtee could potentially be allowed to leave in an attempt to gain more regular and consistent first-team minutes.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 15: James McAtee of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal with teammate Erling Haaland during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Newcastle United FC at Etihad Stadium on February 15, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Atalanta are among the clubs interested in striking a deal with City, although they are aware that there is plenty of interest from a number of clubs across Europe, particularly in Germany where Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and VfB Stuttgart have been mentioned as possible destinations.

La Dea’s stance is that they are able to offer a guaranteed first-team player with regular Champions League opportunities.

Thursday’s reports claim that McAtee is currently valued in the region of €20m.