Atalanta have confirmed that they will activate their option to sign in-demand Bryan Cristante on a permanent basis from Benfica.
The AC Milan youth product is on loan at Atalanta from the Portuguese giants until next summer and the Italian club can keep him permanently by paying a fee of €4m.
Cristante has caught the eye with his performances for Atalanta and as such has been linked with Inter, Lazio, Juventus and West Ham United.
It remains to be seen whether Cristante will stay at Atalanta long term, but the Italian club's general director Umberto Marino has confirmed his side will activate the midfielder's purchase option.
"We will sign him, even if it is premature to talk about the [transfer] market", Marino told Italian broadcaster Premium Sport.
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The 22-year-old has been a key man for Atalanta in the current campaign, scoring five goals across all competitions in 15 appearances.
Cristante saw his progress recognised at international level in October when he made his senior Italy debut in a 1-1 draw against Macedonia.
Atalanta currently sit in eleventh spot in the Serie A standings.
