Scalvini undergoes surgery, Atalanta look to Sangante

Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee’s anterior cruciate ligament, and is expected to be out for a least six months. The 20-year-old picked up an unfortunate ACL injury in La Dea’s rearranged Serie A fixture against Fiorentina last weekend.

La Gazzetta dello Sport now report that the procedure was successful, but the Atalanta defender will be out of action for five to six months. Scalvini will commence his rehabilitation program immediately, although the recovery timeline remains unchanged.

Consequently, he will miss both the European Championship with Italy and Atalanta’s matches until at least December. Realistic recovery times may vary slightly in such cases. Consequently, Atalanta has begun exploring potential replacements for the injured defender as the squad requires a couple of defensive reinforcements.

Atalanta, under Gian Piero Gasperini, will participate in five (if not six) competitions, necessitating a robust squad. Therefore, the club is considering potential signings. One such prospect is Arouna Sangante, the captain of Le Havre, aged 22, who became the youngest player to captain a team in the last Ligue 1 season. A Senegalese player with a Guinea-Bissau passport, Sangante was one of the league’s pleasant surprises.

Despite being newly promoted, Le Havre managed to retain their league status, with Sangante playing a pivotal role. As the team alternated between three and four defenders throughout the season, Sangante displayed versatility by seamlessly transitioning between the roles of right central defender and right-back, a quality that could prove valuable at Atalanta.

While negotiations are still in the early stages, Atalanta’s scouts have provided positive reports on Sangante throughout the season. Le Havre values Sangante, a cornerstone of their squad, at around €15 million, with his contract expiring in 2026. Despite Sangante’s successful season in Ligue 1, it remains uncertain whether Le Havre will entertain any discounts during this transfer window.

At this nascent stage of negotiations, it is essential to understand Atalanta’s approach in seeking a right central defender who can also operate as a full-back. Gasperini appreciates versatility among his players, allowing for strategic flexibility based on match circumstances and opponents.

Technically, Sangante has proven to be dominant in terms of challenges, aerial duels, and ball recoveries. He has excelled in leading Le Havre’s defensive system, contributing significantly to the team’s survival. Despite his height of just under 6 feet, Sangante’s physical presence and speed have left a lasting impression on scouts who have observed him. While he may require time to adapt to Gasperini’s tactics and the pace of Serie A, Sangante could be an intriguing prospect for Atalanta’s future.