Newcastle United have made Atalanta star Giorgio Scalvini their defender priority target ahead of what is likely to be a busy two months in the transfer market, according to reports.
The Magpies have not spent big on a player for their first-team in almost two years, with Lewis Hall - who was already on an obligation-to-buy loan deal from Chelsea anyway - being their last major signing for the first-team, and the first straight buy before that was Tino Livramento from Southampton in August 2023. The club are keen to inject fresh life into the squad, and that has seen Scalvini become a top target for the Tyneside club.
Report: Scalvini Now Newcastle's 'Top Defensive Target'
The Magpies have been in the market for a defender and know who they now want
Atalanta central defender Giorgio Scalvini celebrating after scoring
The report by The Times states that Scalvini has been made Newcastle's 'top defender target' for the upcoming summer transfer window, with the Magpies keen on finding a long-term partner for Dutchman Sven Botman.
Giorgio Scalvini's Serie A statistics - Atalanta squad ranking, 2023/24 season
Stats
Appearances
Assists
Aerials Won Per Game
Clearances Per Game
Interceptions Per Game
Match rating
The 21-year-old, who came through Atalanta's ranks from the age of 12, made his first-team debut as a 17-year-old for La Dea, and has since made 89 league outings for the club, who finished in the top three this season - being labelled as a 'world-class' player in the process.
Scalvini had a frustrating season, being out with a cruciate ligament tear until November, before being ruled out for the campaign at the end of January with a shoulder injury - but that hasn't seen Newcastle's interest wane as they wish to strengthen in defence for their return to the Champions League.
With that in mind, Scalvini has emerged as a 'priority' for Eddie Howe, and are hoping that their summer will finally burst into life after having a reported £55million bid for Nottingham Forest speedster Anthony Elanga accepted, whilst they are confident that a £30million fee can be agreed with Burnley for James Trafford.
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi was a previous target last summer, but other clubs have emerged as interested and now Scalvini is the man who they see as their big £30million signing to replace Dan Burn and Fabian Schar in the long-term.
Being all but an ever-present for Atalanta until this season, his dominating 6ft 4in stature means that Scalvini, despite injuries, still has huge potential and time on the sidelines has made him less desirable for the leading clubs on the continent, with Newcastle ready to swoop.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 04-07-25.
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