Mandela Keita has quickly become one of the most talked-about midfielders in European football, following a standout debut Serie A campaign with Parma. Now, Atalanta have joined Premier League sides Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur in the race to secure the Belgian's signature.

The 21-year-old's rise has been nothing short of impressive. Since arriving from Antwerp in the summer of 2024 for around €13 million, Keita has developed into a cornerstone of Carlos Cuesta's Parma side. His ability to break through opposition lines and his physical presence in midfield have caught the eye of scouts across the continent.

According to reports from ParmaToday via TuttoMercatoWeb, Atalanta's interest is directly linked to the expected departure of Ederson. The Brazilian midfielder is widely anticipated to leave Bergamo this summer, with Manchester United reportedly leading Atletico Madrid in the race for his signature. While Keita offers a different profile to Ederson, he is said to fit the technical criteria that Gian Piero Gasperini's side are targeting for next season.

At this stage, Atalanta's interest remains exploratory. Club scouts have watched Keita on multiple occasions, assessing his physical qualities and his knack for driving forward into dangerous areas. However, no formal offer has been submitted by any of the interested clubs.

Parma are under no financial pressure to sell, but as is often the case in the transfer market, the right offer could change the picture quickly. With Keita's stock rising rapidly, this is a name to keep an eye on as the summer window heats up.