Newcastle United are seeking to reinforce their defence with a potential double acquisition totaling £68 million, according to reports. The club is renewing interest in Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini and also monitoring Czech goalkeeper Lukáš Horníček.
This pursuit of defensive reinforcements comes after Newcastle generated £170 million from the sales of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur. Midfielders Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba have already arrived to offset the loss of Tonali, while the future of captain Bruno Guimaraes remains uncertain with Arsenal reportedly interested.
Newcastle initially explored a move for Scalvini in January, identifying him as one of three targets at Atalanta, but a deal did not materialise. However, Tutto Atalanta reports that Newcastle are again at the forefront of any potential deal for the 22-year-old Italy international, as Atalanta look to raise funds following the collapse of Ederson’s transfer to Manchester United. Atalanta are reportedly willing to sell Scalvini for around €45 million (£38 million) due to the appointment of new manager Maurizio Sarri, who prefers a back four and may seek to sign Alessio Romagnoli.
In addition to Scalvini, Newcastle are also considering goalkeeping options. While Ewen Jaouen has joined to provide competition, Sky Sports’ North East reporter Keith Downie reports that the club is tracking Lukáš Horníček. The 24-year-old Czech Republic international has a reported release clause of £30 million and has already turned down an offer from Hull City, attracting interest from several Premier League clubs. Former target James Trafford is now closing in on a move to Leeds United.
Newcastle already have Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, Fabian Schär and Dan Burn as centre-back options, but Schär and Burn are both 34 and their contracts expire in 2027, potentially prompting the club to look for long-term solutions. The addition of Scalvini would offer a younger option in the heart of the defence.
