Newcastle United have surged back into the conversation to sign one of Italy’s most highly rated young defenders, with Giorgio Scalvini once again firmly on their radar. The renewed interest comes at a key moment for the Magpies, who are dealing with growing defensive concerns after losing Fabian Schär to an ankle ligament injury.
While Scalvini is the standout name, Newcastle’s admiration for Atalanta runs deeper, with two other players from the Serie A side also being closely monitored.
Scalvini has long been regarded as one of the brightest defensive talents Italy has produced in recent years. Tall, composed, and comfortable on the ball, the 22-year-old has been watched closely by top clubs across Europe. His progress, however, has not been as smooth as many expected.
Since breaking into Atalanta’s first team during the 2021/22 season, injuries have disrupted his momentum and limited his availability. Despite that, he has still managed to rack up more than 100 senior appearances and earn eight caps for the Italian national team, achievements that underline his quality and potential.
Over the past season and a half, injuries have restricted Scalvini to just 14 appearances, a frustrating spell for both player and club. His recent return to full fitness has come at the right time for Atalanta, who are pushing for a strong finish in Serie A and currently sit seventh.
It has also reopened the door for Newcastle, who have been tracking his development for years and are now reassessing whether a move could finally be possible.
Newcastle’s recruitment approach remains careful and deliberate. The club is not interested in panic buys or short-term fixes. Any January addition would need to be a player they already know well, someone who fits their long-term vision. Scalvini ticks those boxes.
He is a defender Newcastle have done extensive work on, and there is a strong feeling internally that they would not want to miss out if the opportunity to sign him becomes realistic.
The injury to Fabian Schär has only sharpened that focus. The experienced Swiss defender picked up his injury in an awkward collision and is expected to be sidelined for a period. While initial assessments suggest the damage is ligament-related rather than a break, Newcastle are waiting on specialist advice to understand the full picture. Eddie Howe has remained hopeful, but the situation has highlighted just how stretched his defensive options could become.
Dan Burn is also currently unavailable after suffering a painful broken rib and punctured lung, although there is optimism he could return around February. Newcastle have considered recalling Matt Targett from his loan spell as a short-term solution, but that option would only be triggered if they fail to secure a new signing of their own. Bringing in a player like Scalvini is now being seriously discussed as a more ambitious and forward-thinking move.
Atalanta are believed to value Scalvini at around £35 million, with his contract running until the summer of 2028. That price reflects both his talent and his age, and while it is a significant outlay, Newcastle see it as an investment rather than a gamble. The club’s interest in Atalanta does not stop there, either.
Brazilian midfielder Ederson is another player Newcastle admire. Powerful, energetic, and tactically intelligent, he is seen as someone who could add bite and balance to the midfield. Alongside him, young defender Honest Ahanor has also caught the club’s eye.
Ahanor’s ability to play both as a centre-back and at left-back adds an element of flexibility that Newcastle value, although Scalvini remains the standout target among the trio.
Away from Atalanta, Newcastle are also facing interest in some of their own players, with reports suggesting Arsenal and Manchester City are monitoring one Magpies star valued at around £60 million. Any such departure would be sensitive, particularly if it tested the relationship between Eddie Howe and the club’s hierarchy.
Despite that, there is growing optimism around Newcastle’s broader transfer strategy. After a period of relatively controlled spending, the club is now in a strong position to attack the market. Plans are in place to invest heavily over the next two transfer windows, with figures of up to £300 million being discussed.
One major signing could even arrive this month, although Newcastle know that landing elite young talent will require bold offers, especially with competition from clubs like Liverpool, Manchester United, and Real Madrid.
For now, all eyes are on how Newcastle navigate this moment. With injuries mounting and ambitions rising, a move for a player like Giorgio Scalvini could signal both intent and belief in the future.
