Photo via @Atalanta_BC

After a year in Russia with Zenit St. Petersburg, Emiliano Rigoni has joined Serie A club Atalanta on loan with an option to make the move permanent.

The 25-year-old forward has signed for what is rumoured to be a €1 million loan with the transfer fee set at €15 million if activated by June 2019

“I had the opportunity to come here many years ago, it’s finally happened in the end and I am very happy,” Rigoni told Sky Sport Italia.

🔵⚫️ #24 🔵⚫️ pic.twitter.com/wO1YfCR9RE

— Emiliano Rigoni (@EmiRigoni) August 17, 2018

Regular linked with moves to Europe after first impressing at hometown club Belgrano and subsequently with his sensational form at Independiente that helped kickstart El Rojo’s upturn in form under current manager Ariel Holan.

Arriving in Avellaneda from Belgrano as pacy but raw winger, Rigoni became a far more rounded attacking threat under the guidance of Holan and his ability to play across the attack with powerful finishing off both feet, saw the youngster become a regular name on the score sheet.

As Independiente climbed up the table it was little to surprise to the club that they were forced to fend off interest but as Zenit St. Petersburg underwent something of an Argentinian revolution under Roberto Mancini, a deal for around €12 million was eventually struck.

The move to Zenit and an international debut for Argentina against Peru soon followed but after a year in Russia, Rigoni is on the move again. Despite the transfer, Atalanta are acquiring a player of great potential and Rigoni is prepared for the challenge.

“Papu Gómez told me great things about Atalanta, while Tanque [Germán] Denis also advised me to come and join this club,” Rigoni revealed.