Everton transfer path for Raoul Bellanova explained as Atalanta prepare for exit
Raoul Bellanova's future at Atalanta does not look secure amid Everton's interest.
Right-back should be the next priority for the Toffees following the arrival of Hayden Hackney.
The Blues are beginning to add names to their squad ahead of pre-season, and fans will be clamouring for a right-sided defender.
The position has often been a problem for the Merseyside club with David Moyes preferring centre-backs, namely Jake O'Brien, out of position in that role.
It would certainly be a surprise if come the start of the season, a solution had yet to be found.
But the wait so far may be down to the situation evolving over at Atalanta.
What must happen for Raoul Bellanova exit to open up for Everton
Atalanta are open to the sale of Bellanova, but that will all depend on how they conduct their incomings.
The Times have linked Everton with Bellanova, so the L3 outfit will be keeping tabs on the situation in Italy.
According to Italian journalist Davide Giovanzana via Gazzetta Dello Sport, Atalanta are making a new right-back signing a priority.
This would then open the door for a right-back to depart, with the report sharing that Bellanova is a "leading candidate" to leave the Bergamo-based club.
Nottingham Forest's Nicola Savona is currently on Atalanta's radar, and if they can secure his arrival, Everton would have a path to push for the defender.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is another name that has popped up on the Toffees' radar, but that trail has gone cold over the past few weeks.
Is Bellanova a better option than Aaron Wan-Bissaka?
As Everton move ahead with a right-back signing in the upcoming weeks, the decision between Wan-Bissaka and Bellanova will certainly pop up.
On one hand, the Blues know exactly what they will get in the West Ham star.
He is a Premier League-proven defender who has become a regular at international level. Most recently, he competed at the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Bellanova has only managed to earn six Italy caps at the age of 26. Additionally, there is no previous proof he would succeed in England.
However, on paper, the profile of Bellanova as an attacking right-back would provide Everton with a more exciting option.
The Toffees need more creativity in the final third, and opting for the more attacking option is an ideal way to solve that issue.