Atalanta drop Giorgio Scalvini update as Newcastle United look to sign him now

Giorgio Scalvini has emerged as a serious defensive target for Newcastle United as the club works behind the scenes to reinforce its squad ahead of the new season.

While much of the media spotlight has focused on Newcastle’s pursuit of a new striker to potentially replace Callum Wilson, the need for a commanding central defender has not been overlooked.

Scalvini, one of Italy’s brightest young talents, has attracted attention with his composed displays at the heart of Atalanta’s defence, and Newcastle have made their interest known.

Reports suggest a deal could be struck at around £52 million, though it’s unclear whether Newcastle would be willing to meet that valuation or whether Atalanta are even inclined to sell.

Atalanta, known for negotiating aggressively and extracting top value for their players, are hardly an easy club to deal with when it comes to transfers.

Recent sales of players like Rasmus Højlund and Teun Koopmeiners have only reinforced that image. They’ve mastered the art of developing talent and cashing in when the time is right, but whether they consider this summer the right moment to part ways with Scalvini remains uncertain.

What complicates things further for Newcastle is the message Atalanta may have subtly conveyed this week. On their official Instagram page, the club unveiled their kit for the upcoming 2025/26 season, featuring several key players — among them, Giorgio Scalvini himself.

While a promotional image may not serve as concrete proof of a player staying, such visuals can often be a reflection of a club’s confidence in retaining their prized assets.

Newcastle supporters may recall a similar situation with Alexander Isak earlier in the summer. Despite widespread speculation linking the Swedish striker with a move away, Newcastle showcased him in their new kit, calming nerves and suggesting they had no intention of letting him leave.

Atalanta may have taken a page out of that same playbook with Scalvini. Including him in the kit reveal could be their way of publicly reinforcing the idea that he’s staying, a message aimed as much at fans as it is at potential suitors.

That said, Newcastle’s interest in the 20-year-old is not baseless, nor is it necessarily one-sided. While no formal bid has been made yet, there is belief within the club that Scalvini would be open to a Premier League switch if the opportunity arises.

That kind of green light from the player’s side is always a valuable starting point, even if it does nothing to make negotiations with Atalanta any smoother. For Newcastle, that’s where the real challenge begins.

This summer’s transfer dealings have already proven to be complex and drawn-out, and dealing with Atalanta over one of Italy’s top defensive prospects is unlikely to bring anything different.

The urgency for Newcastle to reinforce their back line cannot be overstated. Last summer, the club missed out on signing a centre-back, and that gap showed throughout the campaign.

Defensive frailties, particularly in high-pressure fixtures, have cost the Magpies dearly, and the club cannot afford to make the same mistake again.

With the new Premier League season fast approaching, securing a central defender should no longer be treated as an option — it’s a necessity.

Scalvini fits the profile of what Newcastle need. Young, strong, technically gifted, and already experienced in both domestic and European competitions, he would represent a long-term investment capable of anchoring the defence for years to come.

But acquiring such a talent won’t come easy or cheap. The signs from Atalanta suggest they’re in no hurry to let him leave, and unless Newcastle act decisively and with clarity, they risk losing out in a highly competitive transfer market.

Time is ticking, and while the club continues its hunt for attacking reinforcements, ensuring the back line is adequately strengthened must run parallel to those efforts. Whether it’s Scalvini or another high-level target, Newcastle can’t afford to enter the new season with questions still hanging over their defence.