JUST IN: Newcastle Have Identified Their Dream Defender—but It Could Cost More Than Double Tomori’s Fee

Newcastle United Considering Serie A Star as Long-Term Defensive Solution

Newcastle United’s defence appeared to take a step backwards last season. The Magpies have an ageing backline that could benefit from reinforcements, with both Dan Burn and Fabian Schär now 34 years old.

In recent weeks, Newcastle have been linked with a move for Fikayo Tomori. The English centre-back has been a regular for AC Milan since joining the Italian giants from Chelsea in 2021.

There have been suggestions that Tomori could be available for a bargain €20 million transfer fee, with just one year remaining on his contract. However, he is not the only defender who could be on the move this summer.

Even more interestingly, Tomori is not the only Serie A centre-back on Newcastle’s radar. Reports suggest the Magpies are also interested in one of Italy’s brightest young defensive talents.

Newcastle United Interested in Giorgio Scalvini

According to TuttoAtalanta, Premier League interest in Giorgio Scalvini has been constant for several seasons, with Newcastle United currently leading the race for the highly-rated Atalanta defender.

Scalvini’s recent change of agent is not a detail to be overlooked. At a time when Atalanta are looking to restructure their finances, the defender’s switch to a new agency could prove significant and may signal that a move is becoming increasingly possible.

There have been suggestions that Atalanta could be open to selling Scalvini for a fee in excess of €45 million. It is also worth remembering that Ederson’s proposed move to Manchester United reportedly collapsed at the final stage, leaving Atalanta still looking to balance their books.

The question now is whether Newcastle would be prepared to make that kind of investment to sign Scalvini or whether they would prefer to remain in the €20 million price range, which could allow them to secure Tomori instead—a player with considerably more experience and previous Premier League pedigree from his time at Chelsea.

Would Scalvini Be a Good Signing for Newcastle?

Italian football has come under increased scrutiny in recent years after the national team failed to qualify for three consecutive FIFA World Cups. For a nation that has lifted the trophy four times, that is almost unthinkable, particularly in an era where the tournament has expanded to 48 teams.

However, that does not mean Italy has stopped producing elite talent. Scalvini is widely regarded as one of the country’s most promising young defenders. At just 22 years old, he has already made well over 100 appearances for Atalanta and has also earned eight caps for the Italian national team.

The biggest question is whether he can successfully adapt from Serie A to the Premier League. If he can make that transition, Scalvini has all the attributes to become an outstanding signing for Newcastle United. His composure on the ball, defensive intelligence, and potential to develop even further make him an attractive long-term option for Eddie Howe’s side.

While Tomori would offer immediate Premier League experience at a lower price, Scalvini represents an investment in the future. Newcastle must now decide whether to prioritise proven experience or long-term potential as they continue their search for defensive reinforcements ahead of the new season.