‘In The Coming Hours’ – Fulham Chief Scout Watches Everton Target As Bid Looms
Fulham appear to be stepping up their pursuit of Atalanta wing-back Raoul Bellanova, with reports suggesting that the Premier League club could make an official offer for the Italian defender in the coming hours.
The Cottagers have reportedly accelerated their transfer activity as the summer window enters its final stages. Fulham have already strengthened their squad with the arrivals of Gonzalo Garcia, Cesar Palacios and Shea Charles this month, but manager Alvaro Arbeloa is believed to be keen to bring in further reinforcements before the new Premier League campaign gets fully underway.
One of the players who has remained firmly on Fulham’s radar throughout the summer is Bellanova. The versatile right-back has attracted considerable attention from clubs across England, and Fulham now appear to be making a serious attempt to win the race for his signature.
However, they are not alone in their interest. Everton have also identified Bellanova as a potential solution to their need for a new right-back. The Toffees reportedly included the Atalanta defender among a shortlist of four players being considered for the position, with their interest described as still being very much alive.
Fulham, though, appear to have taken the initiative.
The club’s chief scout was reportedly present in the stands on Thursday evening to personally assess Bellanova during Atalanta’s Conference League playoff-round clash against Hapoel Tel Aviv. The Italian started the match and played the entire 90 minutes as the game ended in a goalless draw.
According to Italian journalist Luca Cerchione, Fulham are now expected to follow up their scouting mission with a formal proposal, with an official bid for Bellanova reportedly anticipated ‘in the coming hours’.
Despite Fulham’s expected approach, there are doubts over whether Atalanta would be willing to accept the offer. The Italian club reportedly considers Bellanova an important component of Maurizio Sarri’s tactical plans and could therefore be reluctant to sanction his departure.
It remains unclear how much Fulham are prepared to offer for the 26-year-old, or whether their proposal will be substantial enough to convince Atalanta to reconsider their position. Nevertheless, a serious offer from the Premier League side could force the Italian club into making a decision, particularly with the transfer window approaching its conclusion.
Bellanova’s reputation has grown considerably in recent years, and he has been monitored by several Premier League clubs. Aston Villa and Manchester United both sent scouts to watch him in 2024, highlighting the level of interest surrounding the defender.
West Ham United have also previously expressed strong interest in the Atalanta wing-back. However, there currently appears to be little indication that the London club will enter the race for his signature this summer.
Newcastle United also made enquiries about Bellanova’s availability earlier in the transfer window. Their interest, however, appears to have cooled after they completed the signing of right-back Amar Dedic from Benfica.
With Fulham now seemingly preparing an official offer, attention will turn to Atalanta’s response. Should the bid arrive as expected, it could also have implications for Everton, who are still understood to be considering Bellanova as a potential addition to their defensive ranks.
For now, Fulham appear to be leading the chase, with the next few hours potentially crucial in determining whether their interest develops into a serious transfer negotiation.
