Fulham set Rodrigo Muniz contract talks after rejecting Atalanta bid

Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz is set for contract talks with the club in September after his dramatic 96th-minute equaliser salvaged a point at Brighton in their Premier League opener. The Brazilian has been linked with a move to Serie A side Atalanta, but the Italians have cooled their pursuit after Fulham rejected a £34m offer, according to Sky Sports and The Athletic.

Marco Silva admitted post-match that he “couldn’t guarantee” Muniz would remain at Craven Cottage beyond deadline day, yet Fulham’s hierarchy remain confident the 24-year-old will stay — stressing they will only consider a sale if a replacement is lined up. With Fulham’s summer business limited to the signing of Montpellier goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte, the emphasis has been on squad retention and fresh contract renewals for key players.

For Atalanta, their need was pressing: losing last season’s top scorer Mateo Retegui to Saudi club Al-Qadsiah in a £56m deal left a major gap. Yet the Italians now appear to be turning to other options, leaving Fulham fans breathing easier. Could Muniz’s latest goal have been the decisive moment that secures his long-term future in West London?

Muniz’s emergence last season, when he scored 11 goals across competitions and helped Fulham achieve a record Premier League points tally, has changed his standing in the squad. Once seen as a rotation forward, he is now viewed as Silva’s primary No.9 option.

Crucially, Fulham’s lack of attacking reinforcements means the club can ill afford to lose him. Their rejected bid for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Kevin underlines the need to add depth, not subtract it.

From a tactical viewpoint, Muniz’s biggest growth has come in his penalty-box instincts. Reviewing his last three outings, the striker is timing his runs across defenders more precisely, giving Fulham a late-game weapon they previously lacked.

At the same time, Fulham’s midfield supply remains an issue. Unless Silva secures another creative wide player — such as their ongoing pursuit of Shakhtar’s Kevin — Muniz risks isolation in matches where Fulham are pinned back. His development must be paired with improved service.

Fulham’s stance is clear: Muniz is not for sale this window. The club are focused on negotiating new deals with core players, with Muniz next in line once the market shuts. Expect talks to move quickly in early September, as Fulham want his commitment secured before the festive fixture congestion.

Atalanta, meanwhile, are expected to redirect resources toward other Serie A or South American targets. Unless they return with an improved offer before deadline day, this chase looks to be over.

Should Fulham push through Muniz’s new contract immediately — or risk renewed European bids in January?