Atalanta go for Krstovic, tired of waiting for Muniz and Fulham | OneFootball

As previously reported by Football Italia, Atalanta have lost patience with Fulham over Rodrigo Muniz after the price was raised to €50m, and are instead closing a deal with Lecce for Nikola Krstovic.

La Dea had chosen Muniz as their ideal replacement for Capocannoniere Mateo Retegui, but they had set a deadline and were running out of time.

FARO, PORTUGAL – JULY 26: Rodrigo Muniz of Fulham during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Nottingham Forest and Fulham at Estádio de São Luis on July 26, 2025 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

With Fulham asking for circa €50m to release the striker, that was considered beyond the pale and put an end to the negotiations.

Now multiple sources agree that Atalanta have decided the proposal for Muniz was more than sufficient, so they are turning their focus elsewhere and won’t raise the bid any more.

Krstovic now top target for Atalanta

epa11949615 US Lecce’s Nikola Krstovic scores during the Italian Serie A soccer match US Lecce – AC Milan at the Via del Mare stadium in Lecce, Italy, 8 March 2025. EPA-EFE/ABBONDANZA SCURO LEZZI

The primary target is now Krstovic, who has already told Lecce that he wants to make the next step in his career.

There had been links with Roma if Artem Dovbyk was sold, while Leeds United had also made an approach, but Atalanta can promise Champions League football this season.

As we had already reported, there was contact between Atalanta and Lecce to lay the groundwork, so the time has come to step on the gas.

The cost will be €25m plus easy to achieve bonuses for a total of €30m.

Krstovic is 25 years old and scored 11 goals with five assists in 37 Serie A appearances last season.