Mandela Keita has emerged as one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe after an impressive debut Serie A season with Parma, with Atalanta joining Premier League sides Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur in monitoring the Belgian.

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According to ParmaToday, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Atalanta’s interest is directly linked to the expected departure of Ederson, who is widely anticipated to leave Bergamo this summer with Manchester United understood to be ahead of Atletico Madrid in the race for his signature.

While Keita is a different profile to the Brazilian, he is reported to fit the technical criteria Raffaele Palladino’s side are working to ahead of next season.

Atalanta scouts watch Keita closely as Parma hold firm on valuation

Atalanta’s interest remains at an exploratory stage for now, with club scouts having watched Keita on multiple occasions to assess his physical qualities and ability to break into opposition lines.

No formal offer has been submitted by any of the interested clubs.

Keita arrived at Parma from Antwerp in the summer of 2024 for around €13 million and has developed into one of the cornerstones of Carlos Cuesta’s side.

Parma are under no financial pressure to sell, though as is often the case, the right offer could change the picture quickly.

Manchester United are planning to strengthen their midfield this summer, and several Serie A stars, as well as Italy international Sandro Tonali, have been linked with a move to Old Trafford.

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Manchester United’s targets in Serie A

UK media outlets (via Manchester Evening News) are reporting that Manchester United are ready to invest £150m (circa €173m) in new signings this summer, with a specific aim on central midfield.

Italian transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà has claimed that both the Red Devils and Atletico Madrid are interested in Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with the Colchoneros seemingly slightly ahead in the race, having already offered €30m plus add-ons.

Atalanta, however, aim to get at least €40m from the Brazilian’s sale in the summer, so the race to secure his signature remains wide open.

Italy and Newcastle midfielder Tonali has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford, but other top Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester City, are also considering a move for the ex-Milan star.

Last month, Tuttosport reported that even Juventus midfielder Teun Koopmeiners had attracted interest from both the Red Devils and Galatasaray.

Manchester United are also looking for attacking reinforcements with Milan stars Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic both reported to be on their agenda.

United reportedly scouted Leao during a 0-0 draw against Juventus two weeks ago, and Gazzetta reported last week that the Premier League giants are eager to offer Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee or Marcus Rashford in a potential player-plus cash swap deal.

According to Calciomercato.it is understood that Manchester United are also attracted to Pulisic’s versatility, but are aware that Milan won’t sell the USMNT captain for less than €60m.

Sportitalia transfer pundit Alfredo Pedullà warns Manchester United can still get Ederson from Atalanta, as Atletico Madrid are too far off the €40m asking price.

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The midfielder is widely expected to leave Bergamo at the end of the season, especially as his current contract only runs to June 2027, so time is running out to organise an extension.

It is also no secret that there are two clubs particularly eager to secure his services in the summer, namely Atletico Madrid and Manchester United.

Ederson caught between two clubs

Multiple sources assured weeks ago that Atletico Madrid agreed personal terms with the Brazilian and he would be their first choice.

However, Pedullà points out that the Spaniards are still a very long way off agreeing a fee with Atalanta, because the proposal is just €30m plus bonuses.

If Manchester United can match the personal terms proposed by Atleti and also increase the offer for Atalanta to €40m, then the matter is far from a foregone conclusion.