Arsenal walk away from midfielder after learning €60m price tag

Arsenal have ended their pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Éderson after being quoted a steep €60m for his services, according to reports from Italy.

The north London club, along with Liverpool, had expressed interest in the 25-year-old Brazilian but swiftly backed away following initial contact.

BERGAMO, ITALY - OCTOBER 30: Ederson of Atalanta BC in action during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Monza at Gewiss Stadium on October 30, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) — Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Éderson has garnered significant attention after a standout 23/24 season for Atalanta, where he was instrumental in their Europa League triumph, including the decisive victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the final.

This season, he has made 20 appearances across all competitions, continuing to impress with his intelligence, dynamism, and ability to dictate the pace of play. Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has lauded the midfielder for his evolution, highlighting his growing influence as a “player of balance” in the squad.

Reports from Corriere dello Sport in their latest edition indicate that both Arsenal and Liverpool made initial approaches to Atalanta regarding a potential transfer but quickly withdrew after being informed of the Serie A club’s €60m price-tag. This figure appears to have been enough to dissuade both Premier League sides from pursuing the Brazil international further.

Goddess, Ederson tasked with screening top player Ti Re
Atalanta's tactical plan against Milan hinges on the Brazilian. Gasperini knows he is the key to limiting Milan's star player.

Corriere dello Sport – 6 Dec 2024

Five and a half years ago, Atalanta was part of a stellar team that delivered a "pokerissimo" performance and flirted with the dream of a Scudetto by the end of the season. Even today, the word "Scudetto" remains taboo, despite their ability to mix entertaining football with the grit required to win tough games.

Though times have changed and the squad has evolved over the years, Gian Piero Gasperini remains the common thread—a coach who prioritises pragmatism over lofty expectations.

Even as the fans begin to chant louder and louder, jokingly declaring, “We will win the Scudetto,” Gasperini, ever the realist, is keeping his focus on Milan. The upcoming match demands special attention.

A complete player
Atalanta’s current success owes much to Ederson, who has the challenging role of neutralising Milan’s standout player, Ti Re.

Ederson has become an indispensable piece of Gasperini’s puzzle, particularly since partnering with Marten de Roon in midfield. The Dutchman provides balance, allowing Ederson to roam freely across the pitch. The Brazilian is a player who can defend as effectively as he can attack, making him a dual threat capable of covering spaces and shutting down opponents.

What’s remarkable is his ability to absorb physical challenges with ease, using intelligence and dynamism to tip the scales in his favour. Since arriving in Bergamo in the summer of 2022, Ederson has shown exponential growth. Atalanta invested €25m to secure him—nearly four times the €6.5m Salernitana had paid Corinthians earlier.

Ederson’s performances, combining strength and skill, have caught the attention of Europe’s top clubs, doubling his value. Both Arsenal and Liverpool have shown tentative interest, but Atalanta remains firm in valuing him at around €60m. However, it’s unlikely they’ll part with a player who perfectly embodies the qualities of an ideal modern midfielder.

The Belgian factor
From midfield brilliance to attacking flair, Atalanta’s hopes against Milan also rest on creativity from the attacking third. While Zaniolo is seeking a resurgence through his scoring form, this game is inevitably about Charles De Ketelaere.

The Belgian, once seen as a raw talent full of promise at Milan, struggled last season with inconsistent performances that highlighted his flaws more than his potential. Now, at Atalanta, De Ketelaere seems intent on proving his doubters wrong.

He’s started by scoring goals and boosting his confidence, delivering the kind of performances that serve as a rebuke to those who questioned his character. In Bergamo, the former Club Brugge star has begun his revenge tour, showing he can shoulder the weight of expectations.

Tactical options
Gasperini’s only selection doubt concerns the role behind the strikers. Pasalic is the favourite to start in the attacking midfield role, with Retegui and Lookman likely to complete the forward line. In midfield, Gasperini will lean on his trusted pairing of De Roon and Ederson.

Defensively, Atalanta remains solid, having conceded just three goals in their last seven matches. Despite the confirmed absences of Cuadrado and Zappacosta, the rest of the squad is fit and available.

Their match against Roma reaffirmed Atalanta’s defensive stability, but the clash with Milan could provide the breakthrough moment—a chance to sustain their dazzling form and keep fuelling dreams of glory. — Corriere dello Sport 6 December 2024 – Goddess, Ederson tasked with screening top player Ti Re Atalanta’s tactical plan against Milan hinges on the…

Gasperini’s use of Éderson has been pivotal to Atalanta’s high-pressing style, with the midfielder excelling in ball recovery and defensive transitions. The Brazilian’s capacity to read the game and maintain a relentless tempo throughout matches has made him a key figure in the club’s tactical setup.

His development since joining from Salernitana in 2022 has been remarkable, transitioning from an attacking midfielder to a versatile all-rounder who also poses a threat from long-range shots.

GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY - OCTOBER 02: Ederson of Atalanta in action during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between FC Shakhtar Donetsk and Atalanta BC at Arena AufSchalke on October 02, 2024 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) — Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

The decision to walk away from Éderson suggests Arsenal are exploring more cost-effective options in the market. With January’s transfer window approaching, Mikel Arteta will likely shift focus to targets who align better with the club’s financial strategy.

With Premier League clubs’ interest now public, however, it remains to be seen whether future bids will test Atalanta’s resolve.