Premier League club Sunderland has reportedly submitted a €25 million offer for Bologna`s central defender, Jhon Lucumí, according to insights from La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Sunderland`s Pursuit of Lucumí
The report further indicates that Spanish clubs Villarreal and Atletico Madrid also hold an interest in the 27-year-old defender. Despite having recently sold Sam Beukema and Dan Ndoye, Bologna has not dismissed the possibility of Lucumí`s departure.
Gazzetta also suggests that Bologna is already scouting potential replacements for Lucumí, with names like Diogo Leite (Union Berlin), Yusuf Akçiçek (Fenerbahçe), Fali Candè (Venezia), and Fedde Leysen (Union Saint-Gilloise) reportedly under consideration.
However, a contrasting report from Corriere dello Sport states that Bologna is intent on offering Lucumí a contract extension. This resolve comes even after the club`s recent sale of Beukema to Napoli. To compensate for Beukema`s transfer, the reigning Coppa Italia champions have already secured Martin Vitik as his replacement.
Further Defensive Changes at Bologna
In other defensive developments, Bologna is reportedly nearing a deal with Hamburger SV for Stefan Posch. Posch is anticipated to make a €5 million move to Germany following his six-month loan period at Atalanta. Bologna has also initiated discussions with Napoli regarding Alessandro Zanoli, who is considered the primary candidate to fill the void left by Posch`s imminent departure.