Premier League giants to battle for Serie A defender

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City are keen to sign Atalanta defender Mattia Caldara, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, via The Daily Star.

Atalanta have enjoyed a sensational start to the season and their 2-1 win over Roma moved them to within one point of second.

19-year-old midfielder Franck Kessie attracted attention at the beginning of the season, but it is now Caldara that is the name on everyone’s lips following an immense start to the season at the back for Atalanta.

The Italy Under-21 international’s performances have alerted the attention of the four biggest clubs in the Premier League, who could face stiff competition from Juventus, another giant reportedly interested in the defender.

Caldara’s ability to play in a back three, which is a system Atalanta have used in 11 of their 13 league games this season, would have earned him bonus points with Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, as well as Juventus and City.

The 22-year-old is currently the highest WhoScored rated player for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side in Serie A this season (7.49). Furthermore, only James Milner (4) has scored more goals in Europe’s top five leagues this season of defenders than Caldara (3).

For more stats on Mattia Caldara, click here to visit his WhoScored player page