“Newcastle’s SHOCKING £25M Swoop for ‘BEASTLY’ Center-Back – The ULTIMATE Scalvini Replacement You’ll NEVER Believe!”

Newcastle United have endured a frustrating summer transfer window so far, struggling to land many of their primary targets.

 

Eddie Howe’s side have either been turned down or outbid in their pursuit of reinforcements across various positions.

 

A notable example of their transfer woes is the impending move of Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United—a player Newcastle had been keen to sign.

 

In response, the Magpies are now targeting Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga as a fallback option.

 

The former Manchester United academy graduate is reportedly on the verge of undergoing a medical ahead of a potential £55 million move to St. James’ Park.

Meanwhile, on the defensive front, Newcastle have been pursuing Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini. The Italian international remains a top target, though it’s uncertain how realistic a deal for the centre-back might be this summer.

 

Talks between Newcastle and Atalanta reportedly took place over the weekend, with the Tyneside club keen on exploring a deal.

 

However, Scalvini is not the only centre-back on the club’s radar. Another name to emerge as a serious candidate is Chelsea’s Axel Disasi.

 

According to RMC Sport, Newcastle are one of several clubs to have initiated discussions with Chelsea for the French international.

 

The 27-year-old, formerly of AS Monaco, is reportedly valued at £25 million—a fee the Blues are hoping to recoup from any transfer.

Spanish side Villarreal are also said to be strongly interested in Disasi, with reports labelling their approach as “particularly persistent.”

 

Despite the competition, Newcastle believe Disasi fits the profile they’re seeking and see him as a potential key addition to strengthen their defence.

 

Disasi’s 2024/25 season was far from ideal. Having fallen out of favour under Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, he was loaned out to Aston Villa for the latter half of the campaign.

 

The Frenchman, a member of the 2022 World Cup squad with France, made 27 total appearances across all competitions for Chelsea and Villa.

 

However, he managed only 852 minutes in the Premier League, a relatively low figure for a player of his calibre.

Nonetheless, he showed promise during his stint at Villa Park. In March, Unai Emery highlighted Disasi’s growing confidence and praised his performance in a match against Brentford, where he earned the Player of the Match award.

 

Football scout Jacek Kulig once described Disasi as a “dominant” player when operating at peak form—a sentiment that Newcastle appear to share in their current pursuit.

 

In contrast, Giorgio Scalvini also endured a disrupted 2024/25 campaign, though due to injury rather than form.

 

 

After recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, the Italian centre-back suffered a subsequent shoulder problem that prematurely ended his season.

 

As a result, he was limited to just eight appearances.

 

This stands in stark contrast to his 2023/24 season, when he played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph.

 

That year, Scalvini made 44 appearances, including a standout first-half performance in the final against Bayer Leverkusen, helping his team to a 3-0 victory and a clean sheet against the previously unbeaten German side.

 

Given the limited game time for both defenders last season, it may be difficult for Newcastle to determine which player would be the more impactful signing.

 

However, a look at data from the 2023/24 season—particularly through FBref—offers some insight.

 

Disasi posted solid metrics, averaging 3.9 progressive passes and 3.55 clearances per 90 minutes. Scalvini’s numbers were similarly strong, with averages of 4.1 progressive passes and 2.51 clearances per game.

While both defenders demonstrate strong ball progression, Disasi’s experience and superior clearance rate could be vital assets for Newcastle.

 

Scalvini remains an exciting long-term option with immense potential, but his injury history may give Newcastle pause.

 

On the other hand, Disasi provides immediate value—offering physicality, composure, and a proven ability to play out from the back.

 

Considering Chelsea’s modest asking price of £25 million, Disasi could turn out to be a shrewd acquisition for Newcastle United.

 

If the Magpies secure his signature, it would significantly bolster their defensive depth and quality ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.