While INEOS’ top-most priority seems to be improving Manchester United’s attack, there is scope to strengthen at the back, and Giorgio Scalvini has once again emerged as a target as per latest reports.
The Red Devils have lost the defensive acumen of both Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans, while Lisandro Martinez might see a change in position as Ruben Amorim moulds the team in his own image.
Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw’s injury record is another worrying factor, and adding another commanding centre-back would not be the worst call this window.
Scalvini’s name has once again been linked with a move to Old Trafford as per CaughtOffside, who have claimed Atalanta are open to the 21-year-old’s sale.
Giorgio Scalvini back on the radar
Once touted as the next Italian giant who was “destined for greatness“, a spat of serious injuries over the course of the last two seasons have stalled his progress.
The Italian suffered a cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in the 23/24 season. Soon after his recovery, the defender subsequently suffered a serious shoulder injury that once again required him to go under the knife.
But despite his injury problems, the Italy international is not short of suitors, both in the Premier League and Serie A.
United have been joined by Chelsea, Newcastle, Tottenham, Napoli, Juventus and Inter Milan in the race with the Bergamo-based outfit demanding around €60 million for his services.
“Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham are among the clubs showing an interest in the potential transfer of Atalanta central defender Giorgio Scalvini.
“Well-connected sources with close links to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside that Scalvini could be available for around €60m this summer.
Heavily in demand
“This has put a number of top clubs on alert as the talented 21-year-old is fast establishing himself as one of the top young defensive talents in Europe.
“The Italy international also has suitors within Serie A, with Napoli, Juventus and Inter Milan also pursuing him. Things remain at an early stage, but it’s anticipated that clubs could soon step up efforts to enter into a dialogue with both Scalvini and his representatives, and with his club Atalanta.”
Being 6’4 in height, he is powerful aerially while also having guile with the ball, skills which fit Amorim’s vision. Despite his recent injury problems, Giorgio Scalvini has amassed over 100 appearances for Atalanta before 21.
His asking price is quite daunting, especially given his injury history and United’s own budgetary constraints. In case a move does materialise, it is unlikely to be Old Trafford this summer.
If he remains at his current club and stays injury-free, United might come back for him in subsequent windows.
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
