Atalanta President Issues Firm Message to Manchester United Over Midfield Transfer Pursuit
Manchester United’s pursuit of one of their top summer transfer targets has encountered a significant setback after Atalanta president Antonio Percassi publicly reaffirmed the Italian club’s stance on the player’s valuation.
Speaking to reporters outside Atalanta’s training facilities in Zingonia, Percassi made it clear that negotiations with the Premier League side will not progress unless Manchester United return with an improved financial proposal.
Addressing the growing speculation surrounding the transfer, the Atalanta chief insisted that his club has remained consistent throughout discussions and has no intention of lowering its demands.
“We have always communicated our valuation clearly, and nothing has changed. Manchester United’s current proposal does not reflect the true value of the player.
We are not under pressure to sell, and if they genuinely want him, they know exactly what is required. Until then, we are prepared to wait.”
His comments have immediately intensified one of the summer’s most closely watched transfer sagas.
Carrick’s Midfield Plans Face Fresh Obstacle
The situation presents an important challenge for Manchester United manager Michael Carrick, who has identified strengthening the midfield as one of his biggest priorities ahead of the new campaign.
Following the club’s return to the UEFA Champions League, Carrick is determined to build a midfield capable of competing against Europe’s strongest teams.
The Atalanta midfielder has reportedly been viewed internally as one of the ideal additions because of his ability to control possession, break up opposition attacks and dictate the rhythm of matches. Many within the club believe his profile perfectly matches Carrick’s preferred style of football.
However, what Manchester United hoped would become a straightforward negotiation has instead developed into a lengthy battle over valuation.
Transfer Strategy Under Pressure
Manchester United have already strengthened their squad in certain areas during the transfer window, but midfield recruitment remains incomplete.
After missing out on West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, who eventually completed a move elsewhere, attention shifted even more heavily toward Atalanta’s standout performer.
Other names continue to be monitored, including Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, but club officials remain focused on securing Carrick’s preferred target if an agreement can eventually be reached.
The public statement from Percassi now places additional pressure on United’s recruitment team.
Atalanta Hold Firm
Atalanta have earned a reputation across European football for negotiating from positions of strength.
The Serie A club has consistently secured significant transfer fees for several high-profile departures over recent years and has shown little willingness to compromise when they believe a player’s market value has been established.
Percassi’s latest comments reinforce that reputation.
His suggestion that Manchester United must demonstrate their ambition if they truly want to compete in the Champions League has been interpreted by many observers as both a negotiating tactic and a reminder that elite players command elite transfer fees.
Decision Time for Manchester United
Attention now shifts to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, INEOS and Manchester United’s recruitment department.
They must decide whether to increase their offer and meet Atalanta’s asking price or abandon negotiations altogether and pursue alternative midfield options.
With pre-season preparations approaching quickly, Carrick would undoubtedly prefer to have his preferred signing available as soon as possible.
However, Manchester United also remain determined not to repeat mistakes from previous transfer windows, when the club often paid inflated fees under pressure.
That balancing act between financial discipline and sporting ambition will now define the next stage of negotiations.
For the moment, Atalanta remain relaxed. Their president has made the club’s position unmistakably clear—they are under no obligation to sell, and unless Manchester United improve their proposal, the midfielder will remain in Bergamo.
The next move belongs entirely to Old Trafford.
