Report: Newcastle United have already been told exactly how much Giorgio Scalvini will cost
Newcastle United in Pursuit of Atalanta Star Giorgio Scalvini – But Deal Won’t Come Cheap
Newcastle United have set their sights on highly-rated Italian defender Giorgio Scalvini as they seek to bolster their backline this summer. The Magpies are keen to strengthen their central defensive options, and the 21-year-old Atalanta star has quickly risen to the top of their wishlist.
Scalvini, who has already earned recognition as a standout young talent in Serie A, was recently described as “one to watch” for Newcastle by insiders familiar with the club’s transfer strategy. That tag now seems to carry significant weight, as head coach Eddie Howe is believed to be personally monitoring the player’s progress and suitability for the Premier League.
Newcastle’s Initial Valuation Falls Short
Reports indicate that Newcastle United initially believed a deal could be struck for around £30 million. However, fresh information from Italy suggests that the Magpies may need to dig deeper into their pockets if they want to secure Scalvini’s signature.
According to Corriere Della Sera, Newcastle officials reached out to Atalanta in late June to inquire about the defender’s price tag. The response they received indicated that Scalvini is valued between £34.5 million and £43 million — considerably higher than Newcastle’s initial offer.
While the gap in valuations might appear to be a stumbling block, the relatively narrow difference offers some room for negotiation. Newcastle will be hopeful that both clubs can meet somewhere in the middle, potentially agreeing on a deal that satisfies all parties involved.
Scalvini Becomes Top Target as Other Deals Collapse
With Newcastle’s pursuit of other defensive targets either stalling or failing outright, Scalvini’s importance to the club’s transfer plans has grown significantly.
Their interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has reportedly cooled in recent weeks, while promising young Dutchman Dean Huijsen has opted to join Real Madrid instead. Another name on Newcastle’s radar, Illia Zabarnyi of Bournemouth, appears to be heading to Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain.
These setbacks have intensified the need for Newcastle to act decisively, especially with the new season approaching and pre-season preparations about to ramp up. Securing a top-quality centre-back has become a key priority for Eddie Howe as he looks to reinforce a defence that struggled with injuries and inconsistency last term.
A Second Mystery Defender in the Mix?
Despite their heavy interest in Scalvini, Newcastle United may not be putting all their eggs in one basket. Reports emerging shortly after the Scalvini links suggest that the Magpies are also working on a potential deal for another central defender — one whose identity remains unknown.
This unnamed target has not yet been revealed in the media, but the fact that Newcastle are exploring multiple options hints at a proactive and wide-reaching recruitment approach. The club’s recruitment team, led by sporting director Dan Ashworth, appears determined to ensure they are not left short at the back, especially if negotiations with Atalanta prove to be difficult or drawn out.
Conclusion
Giorgio Scalvini is very much on Newcastle United’s radar as the club looks to build a squad capable of competing both domestically and in European competitions. While the Italian star won’t come cheap, the gap between Newcastle’s offer and Atalanta’s asking price isn’t insurmountable.
With other defensive targets now off the table, and rumours of a second mystery defender in the background, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the Magpies can land the centre-back they desperately need.