Serie A’s top two sides over the past two seasons are both reportedly after the signature of French midfielder Arthur Atta, and it’s no surprise. Atta has turned heads since arriving in Italy in 2024, particularly during this current campaign.
Over the last week La Gazzetta Della Sport have reported Napoli’s interest while Tuttomercato reported Inter’s. So why do Italy’s top clubs, among others, want the former Metz player?
The 23-year-old has an intriguing profile, standing at 189cm tall you would assume him to be your typical stocky midfielder; physically imposing but limited technically.
Yet, despite his build, his dribbling is perhaps his most admirable quality. Only Kenan Yildiz completes more successful dribbles Per 90 and Atta also ranks 10th in Serie A for distance carried. His agility and pace is so impressive and unique for a player of his size.
Modern midfielders are required to be complete, being able to easily switch from defense to attack. Atta is no exception and if anything it is what he thrives on. He can seamlessly slot into a defensive shape, with his sheer size making him incredibly difficult to get past and, when Udinese do win the ball back, his pace and passing range make him a threat on the counter attack.
How dangerous he is on the counter was best demonstrated in the early parts of the season against Inter. A poor Alessandro Bastoni pass led to Udinese regaining possession a few yards before the halfway line, three passes later the ball was in the back of the net. Atta, who was positioned on the left of a 3-4-2-1, quickly reacted to his side winning possession by moving into space. Keinan Davis laid it off to him, where he would carry it to just outside the Inter box, with the ball kept tightly between his feet before unleashing an inch perfect shot to beat Yann Sommer.
A similar story was told yet again at the San Siro last month, this time the victims being Milan. Massimiliano Allegri’s side lost possession before the halfway line, Atta was in line with the ball as it was regained but quickly darted forward into the left-hand space. He was found by Jürgen Ekkelenkamp, then carried it towards goal with the ball tightly between his feet, before putting it into the back of the net. He’s so fast and controls the ball so well that it makes him incredibly hard to stop.
What’s been hindering him from achieving higher numbers has been his clinicality. Though, even those numbers have improved, Atta is behind only Marcus Thuram and Donyell Malen for goals since the last international break.
His passing ability is where you can point out both strengths and weaknesses of his game. Despite just three assists in the league, Atta has created 32 chances with 21 of those being from open play. The main concern would be that he doesn’t get on the ball enough, averaging just 26.3 passes Per 90.
Ball recoveries are the strongest aspect of his defensive game, with 3.4 Per 90. Across the 2025/26 Serie A season he has won 51% of his aerial duels and 41% of his ground duels, numbers that leave room for improvement.
A recent Serie A player that comes to mind when looking for a similar profile to Atta is Tijjani Reijnders. Both share similar builds and qualities. Reijnders is slightly smaller, but is an excellent dribbler and incredibly agile just like Atta. On the ball they are so alike, in particular the close control both players have with the ball. The Dutchman was one of the best players in Serie A for Milan and Arthur Atta has all the qualities to be the very same.
If he does choose to move on from Udinese this summer, where would be the best destination? English side Fulham made a bid in January and it’s possible they’ll revist, there have also been strong links to Everton, among others. However, while English clubs may be able to offer more money, both Inter and Napoli can guarantee Champions League football.
Inter look set to refresh their squad this summer, in midfield Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Piotr Zieliński are all in their thirties. A new look midfield for the newly crowned Scudetto champions could be needed. Petar Sučić has impressed in his first season at the club and if he was joined by Atta, all of a sudden the midfields average age would drop by ten years.
A midfield of Scott McTominay, Stanislav Lobotka, and Atta sounds like enough to get Napoli back in title contention. He would add strength and depth to their squad and it would be an understatement to say that is what they’ve lacked this season. Being able to learn from a player like Kevin De Bruyne would also likely pay dividends for Atta’s career.
If he were to make either move, it’ll be intriguing as to how he adapts to playing for sides that share more of the ball.
While his next club is yet to be decided, something that is clear is that the 23 year-old has all the talent to be the next great French Serie A player.
