Chelsea are hoping to prise away Joakim Maehle from Atalanta following the defender’s impressive performances in UEFA Euro 2020.
The ongoing European Championship was always going the shape the fortunes of many hidden gems across Europe. According to Tribal Football, one of such players could soon be Joakim Maehle, with Chelsea and Inter Milan joining the race for his signature in this summer transfer window.
The Blues, in particular, have reportedly come in contact with Atalanta, asking the Italian club to name their price for the talented right-back. However, there are doubts over Maehle’s intention to leave the club after the defender had reconfirmed his desire to remain in Italy after Euro 2020.
“I have just switched to an insanely good Italian club, so I am sure that I will also play for Atalanta after the European Championships,” said Maehle, who is starring for Denmark in the ongoing competition.
A product of the Aalborg youth academy in his native Denmark, Maehle joined Atalanta in January earlier this year from KRC Genk for a fee of just €12 million. It has proved to be a bargain, as the Dane has become the club’s top-choice right-back, leaving Hans Hateboer falling down the pecking order.
In the Euro, the 24-year-old has primarily featured as a left wing-back, which is indicative of his versatility. He notably starred in the win over Russia and Wales, becoming one of the best performing full-backs in the competition.
Maehle’s performances have now put Chelsea on red alert, as they look to find alternatives after missing out on the pursuit of Achraf Hakimi. The Inter Milan star is tipped to join Paris Saint-Germain after the Blues were unwilling to meet the €80 million price tag.
Speaking of Inter, their interest in Maehle also stems from Hakimi’s impending departure in the summer. The Nerazzurri have been linked with various alternatives, including Arsenal star Hector Bellerin, but the Dane seems to be attracting the most interest due to his experience of playing in Serie A.
As for Chelsea, Maehle could be an ideal solution to Thomas Tuchel’s problems in the right wing-back position. The fact that the 24-year-old can also operate on the opposite flank should further appease the German, especially with Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri facing an uncertain future at the club.
In the meantime, Chelsea have expressed their desire to sign another talented full-back from Serie A in Leonardo Spinazzola. They might face stiff competition from Real Madrid in the pursuit of the AS Roma full-back, but he could be an excellent alternative for Ben Chilwell at left-back.
