Atalanta is negotiating to sign 24-year-old German-Cameroonian defender Armel Bella-Kotchap from Hellas Verona, for whom he has made eighteen league appearances this season. Hellas Verona permanently signed the defender from Southampton on February 2nd, exercising their purchase option early for a discounted fee of €5 million instead of €7 million. Atalanta is aware of the asking price, which is approximately €15 million, including a base fee and bonuses. The potential move is happening as Atalanta anticipates changes to its defence and follows a difficult period for Bella-Kotchap at Southampton. At Southampton, he was sidelined after requesting a transfer to PSV Eindhoven following the club's relegation. Bella-Kotchap has two caps for Germany, and his contract with Hellas Verona is valid until 2030. According to Transfermarkt, his current market value is €7.50m.