Newcastle United seek for defensive line and has now put more priority on Giorgio Scalvini as their Primary Defensive Target and are set to do anything to sign this Defender
Newcastle United are reportedly setting their sights on Italian defensive prodigy Giorgio Scalvini as their primary target ahead of the summer transfer window. According to The Times, the Magpies are plotting a £30 million swoop to lure the 21-year-old centre-back away from Atalanta as they seek to reinforce their defensive line.
Eddie Howe’s side is keen on strengthening the backline following a challenging campaign marred by injuries and inconsistency in defence. With a pressing need to add youthful depth and long-term stability at the heart of their defence, Scalvini has emerged as the club’s preferred option to fill the void.
The Tyneside club, now firmly establishing themselves as one of the Premier League’s most ambitious outfits, view Scalvini as an ideal long-term successor to the ageing duo of Fabian Schär and Dan Burn. Both players are now in their 30s and approaching the twilight of their careers, while club captain Jamaal Lascelles and key defender Sven Botman have each faced injury setbacks in recent months. Newcastle are, therefore, proactively seeking fresh talent to future-proof their defence.
Giorgio Scalvini: A Star in the Making
Scalvini, a product of Atalanta’s youth academy, broke into the senior team as a teenager and has since established himself as one of the most promising young defenders in Serie A. Standing at 6’4”, he combines composure on the ball with strong positional awareness, making him a natural fit for a progressive, possession-based system like Howe’s.
Despite his rapid rise, Scalvini’s 2024/25 season was unfortunately disrupted by a significant knee injury, limiting him to just eight appearances and a total of 371 minutes across all competitions. Nevertheless, his potential has kept his market value intact, and several top European clubs continue to monitor his progress.
Scalvini’s style of play — calm under pressure, technically sound, and versatile enough to play in both a back three or four — makes him a highly coveted asset, particularly for teams looking to blend youth with experience.
Newcastle’s Plans and Atalanta’s Position
Newcastle United’s interest in Scalvini is not new; the club has been tracking the Italian international for several transfer windows. However, this summer marks a crucial turning point as the Magpies intensify efforts to bring him to St. James’ Park. Sources close to the club suggest that Newcastle are preparing a formal offer in the region of £30 million, a figure they believe could be enough to convince Atalanta to do business.
That said, it remains to be seen whether the Serie A side will be willing to sanction a sale for that amount. Atalanta are known to be shrewd negotiators and may demand a higher fee, especially given Scalvini’s international experience and long-term potential.
Even if Newcastle face competition from other European clubs, they are believed to be optimistic about their chances, buoyed by their growing stature in the Premier League and increasing appeal as a destination for young talent.
What’s Next?
A move to the Premier League would represent a significant step forward in Scalvini’s career and provide him with the opportunity to test himself at a higher level. For Newcastle United, securing his signature would be a statement of intent — a sign that they are building not just for immediate success, but for the future as well.
With the transfer window now open and negotiations expected to accelerate in the coming weeks, all eyes will be on whether Newcastle can get this deal over the line — or if another club will swoop in to hijack the move.