Italian Serie A club Atalanta are reportedly plotting a summer move for FC Porto’s Nigerian left-back Zaidu Sanusi, as the Bergamo-based side looks to rebuild a defense that faltered during an underwhelming 2023–24 campaign.

According to transfer news outlet Transferfeed, Atalanta have already opened preliminary talks with Porto to assess the contractual situation of the 28-year-old defender. Sanusi, who joined the Portuguese giants from Santa Clara in 2020, now has just one year remaining on his current deal with the newly crowned Primeira Liga champions.

Porto are expected to demand a fee in the region of €7 million for the experienced full-back—a relatively modest sum that reflects his expiring contract. Sanusi has been a consistent performer for the Dragons, known for his pace, defensive work rate, and ability to operate as both a traditional left-back and a wing-back in more advanced roles.

Atalanta, meanwhile, are prioritizing defensive reinforcements after finishing the Serie A season well below expectations. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini’s side conceded 48 goals in 38 league matches—their highest tally since the 2018–19 season—and missed out on European qualification altogether. The club sees Sanusi as a cost-effective, battle-tested option who can compete with the current left-sided options and bring added depth for a potential squad reshuffle.

The Nigerian international, who has earned over 20 caps for the Super Eagles, would bring pace and versatility to Atalanta’s three-man or four-man defensive setups. With his contract winding down, Porto may be forced to cash in this summer to avoid losing him on a free transfer in 2025.