Newcastle United spent the summer looking to strengthen its long-term defensive options but ultimately couldn’t find any center-back to add to its ranks.
A younger center-back is surely among the positions identified for future transfer windows as Matthias Jaissle continues reshaping the squad, with a likely prioritization of such a deal in January or next summer at the very latest.
According to TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey, Newcastle’s interest in Giorgio Scalvini remains strong even after the Atalanta
defender agreed terms on a new contract through 2031. The fresh deal is not expected to deter Newcastle or several other Premier League clubs from continuing to monitor him.
Bailey reported that Newcastle has made “more than one attempt” to sign Scalvini and has tracked the Italy international for several years. Italian sources also indicated that the club made another move during the summer, only for Atalanta to refuse to sanction his departure.
The 22-year-old’s progress was interrupted by an ACL injury in 2024 and shoulder surgery the following year, but he returned to make around 30 appearances last season and has again become a key figure in Bergamo.
Chelsea and Tottenham also made inquiries during the summer, while Manchester City and Manchester United have monitored Scalvini since his teenage years.
The new Atalanta contract is believed to be a maneuver to strengthen the Serie A club’s position rather than closing the door on a sale completely. Bailey reported that Premier League interest is actually growing, with Newcastle still considered one of Scalvini’s biggest admirers.
Atalanta clearly views the 6-foot-4 defender as an important part of its future and has protected his value with the longer deal. Newcastle, however, has shown enough persistence to suggest the player will remain on its radar if another opportunity emerges.
With Dan Burn and Fabian Schar both in the later stages of their careers, Newcastle’s search for another younger central defender is likely to continue and end up with an incoming transfer sooner rather than later.
Should Newcastle keep pushing for Scalvini despite his new Atalanta contract, or move on to a more attainable target? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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