As per reports by Watford Observer, Watford could make a summer move for Benfica midfielder Bryan Cristante. Apart from the Hornets, the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and West Ham United are also monitoring him very closely. so it won’t be easy signing him. The rumoured fee is around €30 million.
Fact File
Cristante developed in the youth ranks of AC Milan and showed immense potential from the early stages. However, he was not able to earn a regular place for in the senior side of the Red and Blacks, and thus, he moved to Benfica in the summer of 2014. Loan spells with Palermo and Pescara didn’t draw even a fraction of the attention that he has been getting this season after his productive loan spell with Atalanta.
Season So Far
The 23-year-old has really dazzled in the ranks of the Serie A outfit, having scored 7 goals in the Italian top flight from 24 appearances. He is one of the main reasons why Atalanta find themselves 8th in the league table. Besides, he has also registered 3 goals in 8 Europa League games and put in a top performance against Everton in the same competition.
Attributes
Cristante is a crafty midfielder who can operate as a central midfielder as well as an attacking midfielder. He is good in the air, gallops forward whenever situations permit him to in order to make offensive contributions and is a clinical finisher as well. Moreover, he caters to the defensive needs of his side in a commendable fashion.
The Italian international has developed pretty well and is perhaps at the age of 23, he is ready to move to a new league. He will take the time to adapt as he is still very young.
The Scenario
Cristante would be a great signing for Watford and he could give them the cutting edge which they need in the middle of the park. He is expected to make a permanent move to Atalanta in the summer from Benfica, as the former have an option to sign him for €4million, and it is presumed that the Black and Blues would cash in immediately. Nonetheless, Watford would have to roll out a substantial amount of transfer fee to lure him to the Vicarage Road.