Manchester United hold an interest in Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini, according to The Telegraph.
The Red Devils have primarily focused on the midfield department this summer, signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Alongside them, they have brought in goalkeeper Karl Darlow and young winger Tynan Thompson.
United are no longer determined to land a third midfield signing, and The Telegraph claim that the remaining funds could be utilised to strengthen the defence. A new left-back and central defender could be pursued instead.
Atalanta centre-back Scalvini, who can occasionally operate as a defensive midfielder, is one of the names on United’s radar. The club have already scouted him.
Scalvini has developed into a quality central defender during his time at Atalanta. The Italian completed 88 percent of his passes in Serie A last term. He also won almost two aerial duels per appearance with four recoveries, two tackles and two interceptions on average.
Despite the positives, the 22-year-old has an injury record which is quite concerning. He missed 40 games in 2023/24 due to multiple injuries and was absent for another 26 during the 2024/25 season. Last term, it was a similar theme, with 14 matches missed due to four separate issues.
United are already dealing with concerns for Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez, and should avoid a move for Scalvini as a result. Moreover, Scalvini, valued at £39 million, is a right-footed centre-back who predominantly plays from the right. The Red Devils should sign a left-footed option instead.
With Martinez’s injury proneness, United have just Ayden Heaven to rely upon as a specialist left-footed centre-back. The club should focus on landing someone with vast experience. Bologna’s Jhon Lucumi would be a much better acquisition than Scalvini for the Mancunian giants.
The Colombian is a superb ball-playing centre-back with an aerial presence and good recovery pace. He also has the physical attributes to suit the Premier League, and has missed just 19 matches for club and country with injuries since 2022. His £24 million release clause recently expired, but Bologna seem open to negotiating for around the same price.
United have been fancied to beat Juventus to his signature previously. We believe the club should pursue a deal for the 28-year-old. They may have to be quick, with Chelsea having just joined the race.
Stats from Transfermarkt & Sofascore