Arthur Atta emerges as Rennes-trained Serie A talent

Arthur Atta is establishing himself as one of Fiorentina’s central players after a rapid rise through Italian football. The midfielder, who began his development at Rennes, has convinced the club that he can become a foundation of its project despite its difficult start to the season.

Born in 2003, Atta spent eight years at Rennes before joining Metz in 2018 at the age of 15. He signed his first professional contract with Metz in January 2023 and made 43 senior appearances for the club, including 21 in Ligue 1 and 18 in Ligue 2. His only youth international experience came with France Under-20s, for whom he played six times in 2023.

Atta moved to Udinese in 2025 and quickly strengthened his reputation, recording five goals and three assists in 32 Serie A matches last season. Fiorentina then paid €25 million for the Rennes-born player during the summer, after finishing the previous campaign 15th. The Viola’s early results have not improved significantly despite heavy recruitment, but Atta has emerged as one of the key successes of the rebuild.

The 1.89-metre midfielder was once a forward during his training and can operate in several roles. Fabio Grosso valued his technical ability, work rate and pace, although he was sometimes used behind the striker. New coach Paolo Vanoli is expected to seek his most effective position. Atta also has France ambitions, though he is no longer eligible for the country’s Under-21 team.