Chelsea get transfer budget boost with Mario Pasalic to join Atalanta for £13.5m

Atalanta are set to activate a £13.45m clause to make Mario Pasalic's loan deal from Chelsea permanent. Pasalic joined Chelsea in 2014 but is yet to make a single appearance for the first team. However, having impressed in 32 appearances across all competitions - scoring seven and assisting a further seven for Atalanta this season, the Serie A side have decided to take up their option to buy. “We’re going to buy Mario Pasalic on a permanent deal from Chelsea," sporting director Giovanni Sartori told Sky Sport in Italy. "We want to use the buy option.” The deal would see Chelsea pocket nearly £13.5m for a player who has never turned out at Stamford Bridge. Source: Standard