In a search for a winger of a higher caliber than the Polish league, Widzew Łódź made an inquiry about 24-year-old Polish-Italian international Nicola Zalewski from Atalanta. The club's approach for the key Polish national team player, who has 33 caps and 3 goals for Poland, was immediately rejected. Zalewski joined Atalanta in August 2025 and is under contract until June 2029. In the current Serie A season, he has made 19 appearances, scoring one goal and providing three assists. Transfermarkt estimates his market value at €15.00m. West Ham United and Napoli have also been recently linked with the player. It was reported in January 2026 that Atalanta would seek a 'significant offer' for Zalewski, who moved to the club for a €17 million fee.