Merih Demiral hit back at reports Atalanta weren’t going to buy him outright from Juventus, but now they have activated the option, he could still move on to Newcastle United.
The centre-back spent this season in Bergamo on loan with an option to buy for €23m.
At first, it was rumoured Atalanta would not take up the option and instead allow him to return to Turin.
However, today the club announced it had bought Demiral outright with rumours it was for €20m at a slight discount.
The Turkey international used the confirmation to hit back at Goal.com reporter Romeo Agresti, who had stated Atalanta would leave him to Juve.
However, the suggestions persist that Demiral won’t be wearing the Atalanta jersey in the 2022-23 campaign, as he continues to court interest from the Premier League.
In particular, Newcastle United could go for Demiral as an alternative to Sven Botman, as the Lille defender remains determined to join Milan instead.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also options for Demiral to be sold on at a profit at circa €25-30m.