‘I believe’: Fabrizio Romano drops updates about what happening now with Newcastle and Giorgio Scalvini

Newcastle United’s pursuit of strengthening their defence has taken a significant turn this summer, with serious interest in securing the services of Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini.

The 20-year-old Italian, known for his composure, intelligence, and physical presence on the pitch, has emerged as one of the club’s primary defensive targets, and the latest developments suggest Newcastle are willing to push hard to bring him to Tyneside.

Having already made major strides in negotiations for winger Anthony Elanga and goalkeeper James Trafford, Newcastle have now shifted focus toward fortifying their backline.

Talks with Burnley over Trafford have temporarily slowed, likely due to personal terms already being agreed, with only the transfer fee left to finalise. That partial conclusion has opened the door for the Magpies to accelerate discussions with Atalanta regarding Scalvini, who has long been admired by Newcastle’s recruitment team.

Since breaking into Atalanta’s senior squad as a teenager, Scalvini has built a reputation as one of Serie A’s most promising young defenders. However, injury concerns clouded his most recent campaign, limiting him to just a handful of appearances.

Newcastle, as a result, are preparing to conduct rigorous medical evaluations before advancing to any contractual agreement, mirroring the diligence they exercised when signing Tino Livramento following his recovery from an ACL injury. The club wants to ensure that Scalvini’s physical issues are firmly behind him before making a major investment.

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, renowned for his accurate reporting, has now weighed in on Newcastle’s interest in the Italian international. According to Romano, Scalvini is indeed one of the Magpies’ top three priorities this summer alongside Elanga and Trafford.

Romano explained that while Newcastle are determined to land the defender, they face a significant challenge in negotiating with Atalanta, whose president Antonio Percassi is known for his hardline stance on retaining high-value talent.

Romano stated that multiple Premier League clubs are monitoring Scalvini’s situation, and although Newcastle are currently leading the chase, competition could emerge quickly if the Italian club signals any openness to negotiations.

Atalanta, for now, consider Scalvini “unsellable,” fully aware of the bright future that lies ahead of the young defender. However, Newcastle are undeterred and are prepared to make what Romano described as a “significant economic effort” to convince Atalanta to do business.

Time, however, is not on Newcastle’s side. With rival clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester City previously expressing interest in Scalvini, there is a very real chance that other suitors could re-enter the race should talks between Newcastle and Atalanta stall.

The urgency to complete the deal stems not only from the growing interest in the player but also from Scalvini’s own ambitions. The Italian has publicly stated his desire to play in the Premier League, a dream Newcastle are well-positioned to fulfil if they can present the right proposal.

Adding Scalvini would offer Newcastle more than just defensive reinforcement. At just 20 years of age, he already possesses over 100 appearances in Serie A and has competed at the highest levels of European football, including the Europa League.

His blend of youth, experience, and natural leadership would complement Sven Botman perfectly, giving Eddie Howe a solid, long-term central defensive pairing capable of handling the demands of both domestic and European competition.

The projected transfer fee for Scalvini is reported to be in the region of £40 million. For a player of his pedigree and potential, this represents a substantial yet justifiable investment—particularly given Newcastle’s improved financial flexibility following recent adjustments to their spending model.

While that figure would place him among the club’s most expensive acquisitions, the leadership at St James’ Park appears willing to meet Atalanta’s valuation to secure a defender they view as central to the team’s evolution.

As things stand, Newcastle remain the only club actively in negotiations for Scalvini, giving them a crucial head start in what could easily become a crowded race.

With the defender keen on a move to England and the Magpies eager to bolster their squad depth for a season that includes Champions League football, the pieces are beginning to align.

The next few days will prove vital, as Newcastle look to strike a deal before other clubs enter the frame. If successful, the signing of Giorgio Scalvini could be a defining moment in the club’s summer and a key step toward building a squad capable of challenging at the highest levels.