Atalanta’s summer business with Rangers is rapidly accelerating into one of the most intriguing multi-player transfer dynamics of the window.
While the Ibrox club have successfully navigated negotiations to bring versatile English defender Ben Godfrey to Glasgow on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy, the Italian side are already preparing a swift counter-raid on the Light Blues’ squad.
According to a brand-new update from Italian newspaper Il Giorno, Atalanta are lining up a potential July swoop for Rangers’ 24-year-old attacking midfielder Thelo Aasgaard.
The Bergamo outfit are keen to exploit the newly established club-to-club dialogue to lure the Norwegian international to Serie A, setting up a massive decision to make for the Ibrox hierarchy.
What are your expectations for Ben Godfrey next season?
This is his fourth loan in less than two years…
Aasgaard FIFA World Cup exploits may force Atalanta’s hand
Atalanta’s decision to formalise any interest in Aasgaard may be heavily supercharged by the player’s performances on the global stage.
Representing Norway at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, the creative playmaker saw his stock go up after netting a stunning goal against tournament favourites France in Boston.
Aasgaard’s technical intelligence to bypass elite European defenders, combined with a prolific return of six goals in just nine senior caps for Norway, may have convinced Atalanta that the midfielder is perfectly tailored for their high-intensity tactical system.
While Atalanta’s recruitment chiefs may want to strike a deal quickly in July, they will be fully aware that the clock is ticking loudly against them.
As reported by Il Giorno, Atalanta are keeping a very close watch on both Aasgaard and his Ibrox teammate Nicolas Raskin, but they fear the duo’s World Cup heroics will quickly price them out of a double move.
Nicolas Raskin has been linked with a Rangers exit…
Rangers face transfer dilemma
Securing Godfrey represents a defensive coup for Derek McInnes, although the jury is still out on the former Everton centre-back; it remains to be seen if they are willing to let Aasgaard move in the opposite direction.
Raskin has a contract at Ibrox until 2028, but there is a growing feeling that he will end his stay in Govan this summer, with the Belgium international keen to pursue a new challenge.
He is also not short of options, with Atalanta, Bologna, Real Betis, Tottenham and Hull City among the clubs interested in securing his services.
However, Aasgaard has only spent one season at Rangers, and it might be too early to offload him already.
