Done deal: Gollini joins Spurs on season-long loan
Tottenham have announced the signing of Pierluigi Gollini from Atalanta on a season-long loan, with an option to make the move permanent.
Sky in Italy reported earlier this week that the option to buy includes a £13million fee which will become an obligation if he plays a certain amount of games. Spurs will also have the option to extend his loan by another 12 months.
The deal is subject to international clearance.
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The 26-year-old has represented Italy at U18, 19, 20, 21 and senior levels, making his international debut in a Euro 2020 qualifier against Bosnia in 2019.
Gollini made 32 appearances for Atalanta last season as his side finished third in Serie A and runners-up in the Coppa Italia.
The Italian comes in to provide stern competition for club captain Hugo Lloris.
Lloris has spent nine years at the north Londoners, establishing himself as the club’s number one since day one.
✍️ We are delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini from Italian side Atalanta on a season-long loan, with an option to make the transfer permanent.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 24, 2021
Speaking earlier this week on the transfer, Gollini told Sky in Italy: “I am very happy. It is very difficult to leave my second home. I thank Bergamo [where Atalanta play] and the fans. I felt very loved and what we did will remain in history.
“I am grateful to Tottenham for this opportunity, I can’t wait to start. The possibility of staying in Italy was there but Tottenham was the best opportunity.”
The club’s managing director of football Fabio Paratici has also enquired about defender Cristian Romero as he looks to make a double transfer with the Italian club.
Romero is a 23-year-old centre-back who represented Argentina as they triumphed at this year’s Copa America.
He’s previously been linked with Liverpool and Manchester United, although the Premier League sides have opted to pursue other targets.
Romero has spent the last two campaigns on loan with Atalanta from Juventus. He is still on Juve’s books, although Atalanta are expected to trigger his €16m (£13.8m) buyout clause soon.
He could then join Spurs for a larger fee, handing Atalanta a decent profit.
The player is still cheaper than their other defensive targets. They’ve been quoted at £50m for Sevilla centre-half Jules Kounde, who is also ‘not seduced’ by a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.