The London club are hoping to prise away Joakim Maehle from Atalanta following the right-back’s fantastic displays in UEFA Euro 2020. Chelsea, in particular, have reportedly come in contact with Atalanta, asking the Italian club to name their price for Denmark international.
However, there are doubts over Joakim’s intention to leave the club after the right-back 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 tournament.
A product of the 24-year-old defender in his native Denmark, he joined Atalanta in January earlier this year from Genk for a fee of only €12m. It has proved to be a bargain, as the Danish right-back has become the club’s top-choice right-back, leaving Hans Hateboer falling down the pecking order.
In the Euro, Maehle has primarily featured as a left wing-back, which is indicative of his versatility. Joakim notably starred in the win over Russia and Wales, becoming one of the best performing full-backs in the tournament.