Reports in the Italian media claim Southampton have rejected a bid by Serie A club Atalanta for midfielder Mario Lemina. Lemina has completed two seasons with Saints after moving from Italian giants Juventus in the summer of 2017 but made only 21 Premier League appearances last term due to his injury.
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He spent almost four months on the sidelines with an abdominal strain and it has been suggested that the south-coast outfit are ready to listen to offers for the Gabon international. TMW are reporting that Atalanta, who will play in next season’s Champions League after finishing third, have offered to take the schemer on loan with the option of a permanent switch in the summer of 2020 but Southampton want a sale during the current window.
It is thought that La Dea will return with another offer but Saints’ money men are hoping to receive a fee close to the 18m euros paid for the African when they bought him from Juve two years ago. Lemina is contracted to Southampton until June 2022 but the prospect of playing in Europe’s elite club competition might tip the balance in Atalanta’s favour.
