Everton defender Ben Godfrey is edging closer to leaving Goodison Park in the summer transfer window.
David Ornstein reported on 26 June that Serie A club Atalanta have made an offer to sign the 26-year-old defender, but it was well short of Everton’s £15 million valuation.
Sky Italia journalist Gianluca di Marzio reported on 27 June that Atalanta have actually offered a fee of around £6.7 million to sign the centre-back.
The Toffees defender can play both as a centre-back and as a right-back, and Atalanta has made him one of their priority targets this summer.
Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has a fresh update on Godfrey. He says that the Serie A club is close to securing a deal for the Toffees defender.
They put in a formal bid (the value has not been disclosed) for the defender in the morning, and talks are now at an advanced stage. Godfrey is keen to leave the club and move to Italy.
“Atalanta close to agreeing a deal with Everton first defender Ben Godfrey. Atalanta put in an official bid this morning and talks are now at an advanced stage. It’s understood Godfrey is keen on the move,” wrote Sheth on X (27 June).
It is still unclear at the moment the terms of the deals, but Everton probably are happy with the offer from Atalanta. By selling Godfrey, they will stay within the limits of PSR, and can then focus on buying more players in the summer window.
Everton have already sold Lewis Dobbin to Aston Villa.
Last season, Godfrey initially struggled to force his way into Sean Dyche’s plans but ended the season strongly, playing most of the time as a right-back. He has made 93 appearances for Everton since joining from Norwich in 2016, but he is no longer a key player for the club.
A move away from Goodison Park will suit all parties involved.
