Fulham have now opened talks to sign Atalanta defender Raoul Bellanova as they search for a new right-back, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed.
Bellanova was the subject of an enquiry from Nottingham Forest earlier this summer, at which point he was valued at around £13m – £17m by the Italian side, off the back of a Serie A campaign in which he made 24 appearances.
However, perhaps the 26-year-old’s best season was 2024-25, picking up ten assists in 34 matches for Atalanta, while also registering his first goal in the Champions League.
Clearly, the Italian, who previously made 22 appearances for Inter Milan, is impressive going forward, and journalist Luca Bianchin described him as “one of the best right-backs in Italy” back in 2024.
At the moment, Alvaro Arbeloa is relatively well-stocked at right-back, with Kenny Tete and Timothy Castagne to choose from, but the latter’s contract is set to expire at the end of next season.
As such, the Cottagers have been looking to bring in a new option in that area of the pitch, with FC Barcelona’s Hector Fort also under consideration, but there are plenty of signs the Atalanta star could be a more appropriate addition to the squad.
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Why Fulham should sign Raoul Bellanova instead of Hector Fort |
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More experienced |
Bellanova has amassed 146 appearances in the Serie A, while also collecting six caps for national side Italy. Fort, on the other hand, is just 20-years-old, and he has made just 47 senior appearances, with 30 of those coming at Barcelona, while 17 were collected on loan at Elche last season. |
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Similar asking price |
Despite the Atalanta star being much more experienced, a deal could set Fulham back just £17m, which is around the price Barca are demanding for Fort. |
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Top clubs in for Hector Fort |
The Cottagers may also have a clearer path when it comes to signing the Serie A star, as there have been widespread reports that Borussia Dortmund are now leading the race for the Barcelona defender, with Everton and Liverpool also keen. |
Fulham open talks to sign Raoul Bellanova
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Fulham have now opened talks to sign Bellanova, as they are keen on bringing in a new right-back this summer.
However, there could be competition for the Italian defender’s signature, with unnamed clubs from Italy and further afield said to be keen.
Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal’s stance on joining Fulham
Fulham remain keen on improving their options in the middle of defence too, and they’ve had an opening offer of £20m for Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal knocked back by Rennes.
It remains to be seen whether the Cottagers return with an improved bid, but Ait Boudlal is keen on a move to west London, with Arbeloa personally pushing for more additions before the start of the Premier League season.
