Newcastle United are reportedly lining up a sensational £68 million double deal to completely fortify Eddie Howe’s backline, reigniting pursuits for high-profile defensive targets as the summer transfer window enters its final crucial weeks.
Having generated a staggering £170 million war chest from the high-profile departures of Anthony Gordon (who joined Barcelona for £69.3M) and Sandro Tonali (who sealed a move to Tottenham Hotspur for up to £100M), the Magpies are actively reinvesting. While youngsters Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba have arrived to offset midfield changes, and winger Bazoumana Touré and goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen add fresh depth, the club’s recruitment team is far from finished.
Reigniting Interest in Atalanta Star Giorgio Scalvini
According to reports out of Italy, Newcastle have firmly reignited their pursuit of Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini. The Magpies initially tracked the 22-year-old Italy international during the January transfer window before talks stalled.
Now, circumstances have shifted dramatically in Bergamo. Following the appointment of Maurizio Sarri as Atalanta’s new manager—and his tactical preference for a traditional back four over a three-man defense—Scalvini has been earmarked as the primary candidate for the club to sell in order to raise funds.
Reports indicate that Newcastle sit squarely at the forefront of the race, with the Serie A side willing to entertain bids in the region of €45 million (£38 million) for a player who has just two years remaining on his contract. With veteran defensive stalwarts Fabian Schär and Dan Burn both turning 34 and approaching the final years of their current deals, snapping up an elite young prospect like Scalvini represents a masterclass in long-term squad planning.
Scouting Goalkeeping Depth: Lukáš Horníček Targeted
In addition to reinforcing central defense, Newcastle are also running the rule over a potential new goalkeeper. Even though Ewen Jaouen has already been brought in to provide competition between the posts following Aaron Ramsdale’s return to Southampton, the club’s scouting network continues casting a wide net.
Sky Sports’ North East reporter Keith Downie confirmed that Newcastle are closely monitoring giant Czech Republic international Lukáš Horníček, who carries a reported £30 million release clause. While no formal bids have been tabled yet, the 24-year-old shot-stopper has already turned down interest from Hull City and is attracting admiring glances from multiple Premier League outfits.
Balancing the Squad for the Season Ahead
With ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of captain Bruno Guimaraes—who continues to attract intense interest from Arsenal—managing incoming and outgoing business remains a delicate balancing act for Howe and sporting director Ross Wilson.
If Newcastle manage to successfully piece together a £68 million double package for Scalvini and Horníček, it will send an emphatic statement of intent to the rest of the Premier League. As the clock ticks down toward deadline day, Tyneside could be gearing up for a frantic and thrilling finish to the transfer window.
Do you think Giorgio Scalvini and Lukáš Horníček would be successful signings for Newcastle United? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
