By OkayGoal 
Atletico Madrid thought they were making progress in their pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson, but Arsenal and Manchester United are not ready to step aside.
According to Tutto Atalanta, relaying the latest from L’Eco di Bergamo, both Premier League clubs remain firmly in the battle for the Brazilian international despite reports of an agreement in principle between Atletico and the player. With his departure from Atalanta described as ‘certain’ this summer, the race for his signature is shaping up to be one of the more competitive transfer battles of the window.
Ederson has been one of the more consistent central midfielders in Serie A since joining Atalanta from Salernitana in July 2022. He has played 172 matches for the club in total, and this season alone has contributed 2.0 tackles and 4.4 ball recoveries per game across 23 Serie A appearances. With less than 18 months remaining on his contract and no renewal in sight, Atalanta’s hand is being forced. The upcoming summer window represents their last realistic opportunity to command a significant fee rather than watching him walk away for free in 2027.
Atletico Madrid Ederson transfer offer falls short
Atletico sporting director Mateu Alemany recently made a trip to Italy to hold direct negotiations with Atalanta president Antonio Percassi, reportedly keen to get ahead of Premier League interest. Diego Simeone’s side have put forward an offer of €35 million plus €5 million in bonuses, but Atalanta are holding out for a straight €50 million. That gap of €10 million is not insurmountable, but it has left the door open for Arsenal and Manchester United to make their move.
Transfermarkt currently value Ederson at €40 million, which sits neatly between the two negotiating positions. Atalanta will feel that given the player’s age, form, and the competitive interest surrounding him, pushing towards their €50 million valuation is entirely reasonable. Arsenal and United entering the equation gives the Italian club exactly the leverage they need to hold firm on that figure rather than accept Atletico’s opening bid.
Arsenal Ederson transfer interest fits Mikel Arteta’s midfield profile requirements
For Arsenal, the interest in Ederson makes sense in the context of their ongoing midfield situation. The 26-year-old Brazilian is a physical, dynamic presence in the centre of the park — a profile that complements the technical players Arteta already has available. His ball-winning numbers in Serie A this season are impressive, and the ability to recover possession and win duels at a high rate would add a different dimension to what the Gunners can offer through midfield.
Arteta has shown a willingness to invest in central midfielders who can do the unglamorous work that allows others to express themselves further forward. Ederson fits that mould, and with his contract running down, Arsenal could potentially structure a deal that works for both clubs without necessarily matching Atalanta’s full asking price.
For Manchester United, the attraction is similarly clear. Michael Carrick has been looking to reshape the midfield unit this summer, with Casemiro expected to leave and Manuel Ugarte potentially also available for the right offer. Ederson offers the kind of tenacious, high-energy midfield presence that gives a team a platform to build from, and his Serie A experience means he would arrive as a ready-made contributor rather than a development project.
The reports of a verbal agreement between Atletico and Ederson complicate things for the Premier League duo, but they have not walked away. Ederson’s agency, Link Sports, headed by Brazilian agent Andre Cury, will be working through the options carefully. A player in his position, with this level of interest and a contract running down, holds significant power in choosing his destination. Whether Atletico’s verbal understanding holds firm against concrete Premier League interest and potentially superior financial terms remains the defining question of this particular transfer saga.
