Atalanta sporting director says Mario Pasalic has agreed to join them permanently

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Atalanta sporting director Giovanni Sartori said they are in negotiation with Chelsea after reaching an agreement for midfielder Mario Pasalic.

The 25-year-old is now close to Chelsea exit after five years of loan spells since arriving at Stamford Bridge in 2014, according to Atalanta sporting director.

Pasalic has had an impressive season in Italy so far, scoring seven and further providing seven assists in all competitions for the Serie A side.

Sartori told Sky Sport in Italy (as quoted by Standard): “We’re going to buy Mario Pasalic on a permanent deal from Chelsea. We want to use the buy option.”

Sartori also added that the Croatia international has agreed to sign a permanent contract while they are already in negotiations with Chelsea.

He said (quote by Gianluca Dimarzio): “We have an agreement with Temeze and Pasalic and we’re negotiating with Chelsea.

“We are working on redeeming Pasalic, with Temeze we are looking to extend the loan into next season.”

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed that Chelsea will pocket €15million (£13.5m) for the midfielder who has never made any appearance for them.

Before joining Atalanta on loan last summer, Pasalic has also been on several loan spells at Elche, Monaco, Milan and Spartak Moscow.