Atalanta sign Pasalic from Chelsea for €15m
Atalanta have confirmed the permanent transfer of Mario Pasalic from Chelsea for a reported fee of €15m,
The 25-year-old joined Chelsea in 2014 but did not make a single senior appearance for the club, instead being shipped out on loan to Elche, Milan, Monaco, and Spartak Moscow.
Since hooking up with Gian Piero Gasperini's side in Serie A, however, he has flourished in the Italian’s entertaining side, becoming a key part of their midfield to help them qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history last season.
As part of an option within his loan deal, Atalanta have triggered a clause to sign him permanently after two seasons of success.
"We thank Mario for his service to the club and wish him the best of luck for the next chapter of his career," Chelsea said in a statement.
Atalanta announced the purchase on Twitter before releasing their own statement on the club website which read:
“Atalanta BC announce that they have officially exercised their option to sign Mario Pašalić from Chelsea.”
“Mario in these two years has given a significant contribution to achieving important targets such as qualifying for the UEFA Champions League last season and reaching the quarter-finals in the current edition.
“The Croatian midfielder has so far made 75 appearances with the Nerazzurri shirt, enhanced by 15 goals and 13 assists.”