Serie A side Atalanta has succeeded in luring Slovenia star Josip Ilicic from rivals from Fiorentina, according to reports.
The player moved to Fiorentina in 2013 after spending three years at Palermo. The 29-year old midfielder has played 44 games for Slovenia in the international scene and is deemed a decent player in the league.
Ilicic scored five times last term in 30 appearances. He was crucial to Atalanta returning to European football after they finished fourth in the league. They would be playing in the Europa League for the first time in 26 years.
The club also signed Under 21-Belgian star Timothy Castagne to replace former right back Andrea Conti who moved to Milan. Thomas Foket of KAA Gent was the preferred replacement but after the player pulled out Atalanta had to move ahead with the deal for Castagne. The player helped Genk reach the quarter finals of the Europa League, contributing two goals in ten games.
Conti is part of the numerous additions that are set to transform San Siro next term. The Rossoneri have splashed over €150 million this summer to get Franck Kessie, Fabio Borini, Mateo Musacchio, Hakan Calhanoglu, Ricardo Rodriguez and Andre Silva. The coach Vincenzo Montella also agreed fresh terms to lead the side into the new season.
Milan offered Atalanta €24 million to get Conti. The Italian agreed a five year deal. As he completed his move, Matteo Pessina, 20, moved from Milan to Atalanta. Pessina featured for Italy Under-20 at the World Cup. The left footed midfielder is expected to bring competition to players in the position.