Newcastle Prepare IDR 800 Billion for Giorgio Scalvini, Tonali's Successor from Italy

Newcastle United are reported to have set their sights on the upcoming summer transfer window by preparing a bid of £38 million (around IDR 800 billion) for young Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini. The move comes after Newcastle's defense looked less than solid in the early part of this season, prompting the club's management to start looking for a new figure to strengthen the back line.

Scalvini, a 23-year-old Italy international, has long been on the radar of several Premier League clubs. Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur were even reported to have made formal approaches last summer. However, Newcastle are said to be in pole position to secure his signature, especially after the player's new contract with Atalanta did not dampen the interest of the clubs pursuing him.

Newcastle's interest in Scalvini is not without reason. The defender, who has above-average passing ability and high mobility, is considered a good fit for the aggressive and vertical playing style implemented by manager Matthias Jaissle. Over the past two seasons in Serie A, Scalvini has been among the best 6% of defenders in chance creation and the top 5% in successful dribbles per 90 minutes, showing that he is the type of modern defender who can be an additional option in building attacks from the back.

Newcastle's defensive weaknesses are clear from the statistics. They are among four teams to have made more than one direct error leading to a goal in the Premier League this season. The senior center-back pairing of Fabian Schar and Dan Burn is still relied upon, but with both no longer young, the management needs to think about regeneration. Sven Botman, who once impressed under Eddie Howe, has also yet to return to his best form after injury.

Technical director Ross Wilson is said to be drawing up plans to overhaul the back line. The departure of several star players last summer, including Sandro Tonali, who moved to Tottenham Hotspur for £100 million, left a big gap that must be filled. Even so, Tonali's sale is actually seen as benefiting Newcastle because the Italian midfielder's performances at Tottenham have fallen far short of expectations.

"Scalvini is a player who is already tactically mature and still has room to grow. He could become the backbone of Newcastle's defense for the long term," said a transfer observer who declined to be named.

If this transfer materializes, Scalvini will follow in Tonali's footsteps as an Italian player shining at St. James' Park. Tonali was once a maestro in Newcastle's midfield with his passing ability and vision. Scalvini is expected to have a similar impact, but in the center-back position, by improving the quality of the defense while also helping distribute the ball from the back.

For Newcastle, investing in Scalvini also aligns with the long-term strategy of the club owned by the Saudi Arabian PIF consortium. After successfully rejecting Manchester United's bid for Lewis Hall last summer, the management wants to ensure that the team's foundation is built sustainably. Scalvini's young age and his experience in Serie A and the Italy national team are added values that are hard to ignore.

However, Newcastle are not alone in the race for Scalvini. Chelsea and Tottenham are said to still be monitoring the situation, and could re-enter negotiations if Atalanta open the door. This competition among Premier League clubs could drive up the player's price, although Atalanta are reported not to let go of their prized asset easily.

Indonesian context: For football fans in Indonesia, this transfer saga reflects how Premier League clubs continue to spend big on promising young players. It is also a lesson for Indonesian clubs in managing their squads, especially in terms of regeneration and long-term investment. In addition, Newcastle's success in holding on to a player like Lewis Hall despite Manchester United's interest shows that non-big six clubs are now increasingly willing to compete in the transfer market.

Going forward, Scalvini's decision will depend heavily on Atalanta's ambitions in domestic and European competition. If Newcastle manage to secure his services, they will have a young defender who can be a pillar for years to come. Conversely, if they fail, the management must find another alternative to address the defensive problems that continue to haunt them. Will Scalvini be the answer to Newcastle's fragile back line, or will another club succeed in signing him?