At a glance
- Newcastle United send scout to watch Serie A targets
- Atalanta Centre back Giorgio Scalvini and Inter Milan forward Esposito
- Transformative summer expected
Newcastle United reportedly sent a scout to last Saturday’s (March 14th) Serie A clash between Inter Milan and Atalanta. He watched the pair of Francesco Pio Esposito and Giorgio Scalvini.
The Italian pair are both on the Magpies’ radar ahead of what is said to be a ‘transformational’ transfer window in the summer.
Esposito is thought to be the answer to the striker problems perpetuated by Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa. Scalvini is the proposed option to cover the ageing duo of Fabian Schar and Dan Burn.
Raiding Serie A
Scalvini has been a long-term target for Newcastle, but due to injuries, a concrete move for the centre-back has never really materialised.
Esposito is more of a recent target, with the Inter striker coming onto the radar in the past few days. A deal for Esposito would likely be more difficult given the Nerazzurri’s reluctance to sell and the price they would demand for his services.
This isn’t the first time Eddie Howe has looked to the Italian market. Of the current cohort, both Malick Thiaw and Sandro Tonali, formerly of AC Milan, came from Serie A.
Howe has been known to return to areas which have served him well in the past. Pair that with the club sending scouts, and there could well be more to these transfers than merely rumours.
What Scalvini and Esposito would bring
Scalvini has been one of Europe’s brightest centre-back prospects for some time now. But he has seen injuries largely derail the early part of his career, although they seem to have subsided this season.
The Italian’s on-the-ball abilities are where he stands out. Which is the main reason he has been touted to replace the ball-playing ability of Fabian Schar.
Scalvini’s ball progression through the thirds is top, and his left-footedness in a world of right-footers is a big bonus. His on-ball abilities don’t take away from the defensive side of the game either, with his athleticism and awareness rarely leaving him caught out in the backline.
Esposito has an interesting profile, as he is, in many ways, similar to Woltemade, albeit slightly less technical and more of a focal point. The Italian forward’s link-up and hold-up play are his best attributes, evidenced by his six assists in all competitions this season. That is a tally which is just shy of his nine goals.
He thrives in teams that get bodies around him and utilise him as a focal point in transitions. This is something which Newcastle would likely provide should he sign.
A transformative summer
Incessant reports state that this summer is set to be a ‘transformational’ one for the club. The need to get back on track following a poor season is vital.
There could be a large overhaul of the squad if everything goes to plan and a much-needed recruitment strategy is put in place.
Should Newcastle sign either or both of Scalvini and Esposito, it would be a big coup for the club and make a statement that the 2030 project is still well within its ambitions.
Of the two transfers, Scalvini would be the easier, given that Inter have recently rejected bids of around £42m for Esposito and plan to give him a new contract in the near future.
Newcastle will see an opportunity with Scalvini, though, given their long-term interest and the possibility that Atalanta could miss out on European football.
