Newcastle launch loan-to-buy bid for €40m Inter Milan star

The final hours of the summer transfer window are always a whirlwind of speculation, negotiation, and last-minute surprises.

For Newcastle United, the activity is reaching a fever pitch. The club is on the verge of sealing a club-record deal for Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade, but that hasn’t stopped them from exploring other opportunities to strengthen the squad.

According to the latest reports from Italy, the Magpies have now set their sights on Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi, launching an ambitious loan-to-buy offer for the Italian international.

This move signals that Newcastle’s ambitions extend beyond just adding a new striker. While securing offensive firepower remains a priority, the potential acquisition of Frattesi suggests that manager Eddie Howe is also keen to add quality and depth to the midfield a area that has been tested by injuries and the demanding schedule of competing in multiple competitions.

The interest in Frattesi is not entirely new. Earlier this month, there were whispers of Newcastle’s admiration for the player, but those rumors had gone quiet—until now.

Respected Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that the club has returned to the negotiating table with a formal proposal.

The offer is structured as a loan deal with an obligation to buy, a common approach that allows clubs to manage financial fair play considerations while still securing their target.

However, Inter Milan have responded cautiously to Newcastle’s proposal. The Serie A giants are understood to prefer a simpler transaction either a straight permanent sale for around €40 million or a loan agreement with a guaranteed purchase clause that would ensure the deal becomes permanent next summer.

Their hesitation stems from a desire for financial certainty and clarity, especially so close to the deadline. They have made it clear that if Newcastle are serious about signing Frattesi, they will need to revise their offer quickly to meet Inter’s terms.

From Newcastle’s perspective, Frattesi represents an exciting opportunity. At 25 years old, he is entering the prime of his career and has already gained valuable experience at the highest level, both with Inter Milan and the Italian national team.

His energy, technical ability, and eye for goal from midfield would add a new dimension to Newcastle’s engine room. He also shares a connection with current Magpies midfielder Sandro Tonali, as the two have been teammates for Italy, which could help him settle quickly if the move goes through.

This pursuit also reflects the broader strategy at play under the club’s ownership. While marquee signings like Woltemade capture headlines, the recruitment team is also looking for smart, value-driven deals that can improve the squad in key areas.

Frattesi fits that profile perfectly—a player with proven quality and room to grow, available for a reasonable fee in a market that often sees prices inflated.

As the clock ticks down toward Monday’s deadline, the pressure is on both clubs to find common ground. For Newcastle, securing a player of Frattesi’s caliber would be a significant coup and a clear signal that they are building a squad capable of competing on all fronts.

For now, fans will be watching closely, hoping that the club can get this deal over the line alongside the arrival of their new star striker.