Newcastle are in the market for a £38m defender who has been given the green light
Newcastle United are now leading the race for long-term target Giorgio Scalvini, with Atalanta ready to sanction a €45m (£38m) sale.
The Magpies are determined to improve their defense this summer, and could revisit a move for Scalvini, who emerged as a target back in 2025, when Eddie Howe was revealed to be a personal fan.
Since then, the 22-year-old has continued to get game time for the Serie A side, making 30 appearances in all competitions last season, playing mostly as a full-back.
However, Ben Mattinson also believes the Italian could be sent forward a bit further, given his style of play, with the Como scout saying: “The idea of Scalvini as a DM actually reminds me of how Arne Slot uses Wieffer. They have the same style of winning the ball, that front foot style. They like to push to win the ball.”
The Italian's ability to win balls is underlined by the fact that he averaged 2.1 in 90 Serie A entries last season, which was 0.6 more than any other member of the Atalanta squad.
Considering Howe has already lost Sandro Tonali this summer, he could do with signing a defensive midfielder, and he may need a long-term replacement for 34-year-old Fabian Schar.
Newcastle are in a position to sign Giorgio Scalvini
According to a report from Tutto Atalanta (via Sporting Witness), Newcastle have come out ahead in the race for Scalvini, with Atalanta willing to step in for around €45m (£38m).
Although Dan Burn played for England at the World Cup, the defender may be reaching the end of his career at the age of 34, like Schar, meaning Howe may need to sign a young defender this summer.
There has been 'permanent' interest from the Premier League, but the Magpies are now well placed to secure the signature of the Atalanta star, and he could be a strong contender.
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Why Newcastle should sign Giorgio Scalvini |
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Poor defensive record |
Newcastle's defensive record in the 2025-26 season was one of the main reasons they missed out on European qualification. Howe's side scored 55 goals in the Premier League, the highest number of top 13 finishes. |
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Scalvini's consistent performance |
The Italian, who made eight appearances, was one of Atalanta's most consistent players in Serie A last season, scoring a FotMob rating of 7.29, which was the highest in the club. |
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Char and Burn are in line to go |
Schar and Burn have only one year left on their contracts in St. James' Park. Therefore, it is time for Newcastle to bring in a new full-back, and Scalvini could be a long-term addition to Howe's squad at just 22 years of age. |
Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale must share the blame for Newcastle's disappointing defensive record, with Newcastle also keen to sign a new goalkeeper this summer.
However, they are now out of the race for James Trafford, meaning a move for Parma star Zion Suzuki is likely, and the Japanese stopper's agent has informed the Magpies that a deal is possible.
