Armel Bella-Kotchap, a German international, has decided to move to Hellas Verona in Italy instead of joining FC Nantes. This decision was made despite Nantes having considered the deal closed, and they expressed regret about the player's entourage's methods.

Italian journalist Alfredo Pedullà reported that Armel Bella-Kotchap is on the verge of completing a medical examination ahead of a transfer to Hellas Verona. Although it was initially expected that FC Nantes would finalize the signing of the 23-year-old German centre-back, Verona managed to step in at the eleventh hour to secure the transfer. Bella-Kotchap, who is currently with FC Southampton, was originally anticipated to move to Nantes. However, the Italian club Hellas Verona has unexpectedly changed the course of his transfer. His current contract with Southampton is set to expire in June 2026, and according to Transfermarkt, his market value is estimated at €9.00 million.