Report: Newcastle set sights on £30m Italian star in major defensive move | OneFootball

Newcastle’s Scalvini Ambition Signals Clear Long-Term Vision

Scalvini Emerges as Defensive Priority

Newcastle United are setting their sights firmly on Giorgio Scalvini as Eddie Howe targets a long-term solution in central defence. As reported by The Times, the 21-year-old Atalanta defender is considered a £30 million priority signing as the Magpies prepare for their Champions League return. Despite his recent injury setbacks, Scalvini’s pedigree and potential have made him a standout target.

Standing at 6ft 4in and already capped eight times by Italy, Scalvini made his debut for the national team at just 18, following a rapid rise through the Atalanta ranks. He was a regular fixture for two seasons before suffering a devastating ACL injury in the final game of the 2023-24 campaign. That setback was compounded by a shoulder injury, limiting him to just eight appearances last season. Nevertheless, Newcastle’s interest underlines their faith in his long-term prospects.

Future-Proofing the Back Line

With both Dan Burn and Fabian Schär now 33, Newcastle’s pursuit of Scalvini suggests a clear desire to rejuvenate their ageing defence. The club failed in their attempt to sign Marc Guéhi last summer, but the Italian centre-back is viewed as an ideal replacement who could anchor the back line for years to come.

“He’s a modern centre-half — tall, technically sound, and has top-level experience already,” a source close to the club told The Times. That blend of size, composure and maturity has put him ahead of other targets, including Marseille’s Leonardo Balerdi, who also has international experience with Argentina.

Injury Setbacks But High Ceiling

It’s hard to overlook Scalvini’s injury record, especially considering the intensity of Premier League football. But at just 21, he has time on his side. The fact that he broke into Italy’s senior squad as a teenager and performed consistently for Atalanta speaks volumes.

His maturity on the ball, tactical intelligence and strong positional awareness make him a particularly attractive fit for Howe’s high-intensity system. Scalvini’s potential is such that his injuries are viewed more as unfortunate timing than chronic issues.

Business Picks Up on Tyneside

The chase for Scalvini is part of a broader recruitment drive. Newcastle have already had a £55 million bid accepted for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, and talks are progressing for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford. Having gone three windows without a senior signing, the club appear ready to reassert themselves in the market.

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With Champions League commitments on the horizon, the addition of a player like Scalvini would reflect Newcastle’s ambitions to build sustainably for both domestic and European demands.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Newcastle fan’s perspective, Giorgio Scalvini’s potential arrival would be a statement of intent — one that speaks not just to ambition, but also to careful, long-term planning. While concerns will linger over his fitness, his profile is precisely what many supporters have hoped to see in this new era: young, international-calibre talent with high upside.

The club’s patience in the transfer market has caused frustration at times, but targeting someone like Scalvini shows there’s a strategy at play. Many fans will recall how injuries derailed previous seasons, especially in defence — so investing in a high-potential centre-back now, before Burn and Schär decline further, is wise.

There’s also a sense of excitement about the club’s clear intention to blend youth and experience. With Elanga coming in, and possibly Trafford too, this isn’t just a squad refresh — it’s a redefinition. Bringing in a ball-playing defender like Scalvini fits the modern blueprint, and while it’s a risk given his recent setbacks, most fans will back the gamble if it means stability and growth in a position that’s often been patched up.

If Newcastle can get this deal done for around £30 million, it may prove to be one of the smartest buys of the summer.