James McAtee Set for Manchester City Exit With Top European Clubs Interested

Manchester City midfielder James McAtee is closing in on a move away from the club, with Atalanta among the leading contenders for his signature.

WHAT HAPPENED?

City are set to cash in on McAtee for a fee in the region of £20-25 million. McAtee, 22, recently captained the England under-21 side to success at the Under-21 European Championship and has sparked interest from across Europe. Clubs in the Bundesliga, Premier League, and Serie A have all been in contact over a possible transfer.

WHY IS THERE SO MUCH INTEREST?

McAtee is a proven talent, and it is no surprise there is so much interest in him. At City, he has struggled to usurp Phil Foden, Rodri, and John Stones in the pecking order, and his playing time has often been limited to cup competitions. At Atalanta, he will be able to compete immediately for a starting position, under the watchful eye of manager Ivan Juric, in a team that is known to rely more on academy players and young talents, rather than expensive transfers and player purchases.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The deal is expected to move quickly over the coming days and could even be wrapped up in time for McAtee to make his debut for the Serie A opener in the middle of August.