The January 2027 transfer window is already beginning to take shape around Nicola Zalewski. The Polish wide midfielder and winger, born in 2002 and currently at Atalanta, has emerged as a target for both Milan and Napoli, who are ready to take advantage of the new squad dynamics that have developed in Bergamo under head coach Maurizio Sarri to make a move for the former Roma and Inter player. Atalanta are not ruling out a departure, but they have set a significant asking price for the 24-year-old, also influenced by the club's recent incoming moves under sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli.
Atalanta's valuation: asking price more than double their investment
According to the latest transfer market reports, cited by Pianeta Milan, Atalanta value Nicola Zalewski at between €35 million and €40 million, plus potential bonuses and a percentage of any future sale. If confirmed, this would represent a significant fee and allow the Bergamo club to make a substantial capital gain. Atalanta signed the player permanently from Inter in August 2025 for around €17 million. With Zalewski tied down to a four-year contract with an option to extend for a further two seasons, the Percassi-owned club are in a very strong contractual position when negotiating with interested parties.
The Jonathan Rowe effect: Maurizio Sarri's hierarchy changes
Zalewski's potential departure, however, is also being driven by the new attacking rotations in Bergamo. The arrival of Jonathan Rowe, signed from Bologna on loan with a conditional obligation to buy, has significantly increased competition on the wings. Described by Giuntoli as a key piece in Sarri's tactical system, the Englishman has immediately overtaken the Polish international, starting in the front three alongside Charles De Ketelaere and Gianluca Scamacca. In the first four Serie A matches, Zalewski has managed just 120 minutes in total and one assist, while he was left entirely on the bench in the latest game against Cagliari. This is a clear indication that his playing time could become increasingly limited.
Milan and Napoli waiting: strategies for the January window
For the two Serie A giants, this represents a renewed interest in a long-standing target. Napoli had already made initial exploratory contacts in January 2026 and have maintained a close watch on the situation ever since. Milan's position is more straightforward but equally strategic: the Rossoneri had assessed the Polish player's profile during the summer before turning their attention to other moves, including the signings of Diego Moreira and Omari Hutchinson. With the transfer window officially reopening on 2 January 2027, Milan are monitoring developments in Bergamo, aware that no official offers have been made so far but that the situation could heat up quickly.
