Atalanta Plot Ruben Loftus-Cheek Swoop To Replace Ederson
RLC could quit the San Siro.
Ben Horlock
Updated on 19 January 2026
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is the subject of a January bid from Atalanta who is seeking a replacement for star midfielder Ederson, FootItalia sources confirmed.
Loftus-Cheek has featured in 19 Serie A games for AC Milan this season but is reportedly considering his options. The 29-year-old is seeking a more prominent role ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In September, Loftus-Cheek’s England recall provided hope that a place in Thomas Tuchel’s finals squad can still be achieved. And that is where La Dea comes in.
Raffaele Palladino’s side is keeping tabs on new personnel and believes the Three Lions international can provide an effective and seamless solution if Ederson were to quit Bergamo this month.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek Transfer News Reveals Atalanta Interest
In December, it was revealed that Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s asking price is approximately €30million. That fee is considered too high from Atalanta’s perspective.
La Dea were the third-highest spenders when it came to Serie A transfers in the summer window. They have already shelled out €22m for Giacomo Raspadori this month but the bank isn’t completely empty.
Considering Loftus-Cheek is almost 30 and has 18 months left on his current deal, Raffaele Palladino believes there is plenty of room for negotiation.
A loan deal with either an option or obligation to buy is what the former Fiorentina boss is seeking. Loftus-Cheek would be open to the move as well with the Bergamo-based side being able to offer Champions League soccer.
Will Ederson Quit Atalanta In January?
Barcelona and Liverpool target Ederson is also being hotly pursued by Atletico Madrid. Diego Simeone’s side are in the market to find a replacement for Connor Gallagher.
Inter Milan’s interest in Ederson is also a concern from Atalanta’s perspective. However, La Dea is resigned to losing the Brazilian ace and a move to Atleti appears the most likely outcome at this stage.
The 2023-24 Europa League winners will demand between €30-40m for the South American star. Naturally, that would help in luring Ruben Loftus-Cheek to Bergamo.
Loftus-Cheek actually has a number of admirers so moving on Ederson to fund any potential deal is a necessity. Even if a loan deal were struck with AC Milan, leaving funds aside to make the transfer permanent in the summer makes sense.
With Ederson, a new venture in Spain is one that will surely excite the World Cup hopeful. Many players have excelled under the guidance and stewardship of Simeone and the Brazilian will be hoping to take his game to the next level.
Ben Horlock
Ben has a long standing devotion to Italian soccer and in particular, Serie A. Ben grew up watching legendary presenter James Richardson deliver the latest news and views with the daily papers and breakfast in hand. Not only does Ben follow Italy's top soccer division, he is an avid follower of all the major European leagues. Ben is an expert on all things Serie A and has produced a number of features and news articles for FootItalia as well as UK-based outlets such as HITC, 90min, GiveMeSport and Betfair. In the US, Ben has been published on ESPN and Sports Illustrated.
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