Atalanta signed Bellanova from fellow Serie A side Torino in the summer of 2024 for a fee of €20million plus a further €5million in add-ons, and the club now looks likely to move on before the market shuts under new head coach Maurizio Sarri.
The right-back or wing-back managed two assists in 36 competitive appearances last season under Raffaele Palladino, and has more recently been linked with AC Milan, Tottenham and Everton, though according to journalist Fabrizio Romano it is Fulham who have now opened direct talks with Atalanta over a permanent transfer.
Other clubs in both Italy and abroad continue to monitor the situation, but the London club's move represents the most concrete step so far in the saga, with reports in Italy suggesting Fulham have already submitted a written proposal to the Bergamo club.
The 26-year-old has made six senior appearances for Italy to date and is contracted to Atalanta until the summer of 2029, giving the Bergamo club leverage in any negotiation. Bellanova is not believed to be central to Sarri's plans following his arrival at the club this summer, and Atalanta have previously valued him in the region of €15-20million amid interest from several other Premier League clubs.
Fulham are searching for a new right-back option this summer, with question marks over the long-term futures of both Kenny Tete and Timothy Castagne, and see Bellanova as a versatile addition capable of playing across the position.
Bellanova's willingness to test himself in the Premier League is understood to be a factor behind Fulham's optimism that a deal can be reached before the market shuts, with the wing-back seen as an ideal profile to add depth and competition on the right side of Alvaro Arbeloa's squad, as the new head coach looks to strengthen a Fulham side that has seen several senior players depart this summer.