Newcastle launch bid for Inter Milan star? – Big claims from Italy on Sunday morning

Newcastle United’s summer transfer strategy is taking shape as the club reportedly tests the waters with a bid for Inter Milan’s Italian international Davide Frattesi.

According to prominent Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, the Magpies have seen their initial approach rebuffed by the Serie A giants but may return with an improved offer for the dynamic midfielder.

The 25-year-old only completed a permanent move to Inter last summer after an impressive loan spell, contributing seven goals across 47 appearances in a season that saw the Nerazzurri finish as Champions League runners-up and Serie A runners-up.

Frattesi etched his name into Inter folklore with his dramatic winning goal against Barcelona in the Champions League semifinals, showcasing the big-game mentality Eddie Howe craves as Newcastle prepare for another European campaign.

While Frattesi’s recent abdominal surgery has limited his preseason involvement, his proven quality at the highest level makes him an enticing prospect.

The box-to-box midfielder’s energy, goal threat from deep, and experience in both domestic and continental competition align perfectly with Newcastle’s needs.

An added advantage comes through his representation – Frattesi shares an agent with Sandro Tonali, potentially smoothing negotiations between the clubs.

This pursuit highlights Newcastle’s ongoing efforts to address squad imbalances. While their center-back department boasts enviable depth with Dan Burn, Fabian Schär, Sven Botman, and new signing Malick Thiaw competing for places, midfield options appear stretched.

The core trio of Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton, and Tonali will soon be joined by Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa, but injuries to Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff’s departure have exposed a lack of reliable alternatives.

Howe has publicly stated his desire for six first-team midfield options, and with Lewis Miley potentially departing on loan to gain regular Championship minutes, Frattesi could provide crucial rotation capability.

The Italian’s versatility to operate across multiple midfield roles would offer tactical flexibility during a congested fixture schedule.

Newcastle’s Current Midfield Options vs. Frattesi’s Profile

Attribute	Current Newcastle Midfield	Davide Frattesi
Goal Contribution	Limited outside Joelinton	7 goals last season
European Experience	Emerging in Champions League	Champions League finalist
Playing Style	Technical/defensive focus	Dynamic box-to-box presence
Fitness Record	Recurrent injury concerns	Generally robust (current surgery aside)
Age Profile	Mix of veterans and youth	Prime years at 25

This potential move raises questions about the long-term futures of Willock and Miley at St James’ Park. While Willock remains a fan favorite when fit, his persistent injury issues may force Newcastle’s hand, with a sale possible either in January or next summer. Miley’s development might be best served elsewhere temporarily, following the path of other academy graduates who benefited from loan spells before establishing themselves in the first team.

Inter Milan’s reluctance to sell reflects Frattesi’s growing importance to their project, but Newcastle’s renewed financial muscle and European ambitions could make this deal feasible with an improved bid. As the transfer window enters its decisive phase, this developing story encapsulates Newcastle’s ongoing evolution – no longer content with domestic consolidation, they’re now targeting established internationals capable of elevating them to the next level.

For Howe and sporting director Dan Ashworth, the coming weeks will prove crucial in shaping a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts. Frattesi represents exactly the caliber of player that could help bridge the gap between Newcastle’s current status and their lofty aspirations. Whether they can persuade Inter to part with their midfield dynamo may depend on how aggressively the Magpies are willing to pursue their latest Italian connection.