Manchester United must pay €40 million or more to sign defensive target Giorgio Scalvini, with Inter Milan also keen on the defender.
According to LInterista, Atalanta will place a €40 million-plus price tag on 19-year-old defender Giorgio Scalvini ahead of the January window. The Bergamo club have no interest in letting their key talent depart so soon, but Manchester United could pressure the player into making a decision.
Giorgio Scalvini continued his steady progress under Gian Piero Gasperini, producing consistent performances for Atalanta. Having broken into the first team in the 2021-22 season, the 19-year-old made 32 Serie A appearances last season and has already featured in all games but one in the current campaign.
Gasperini already considers him a key star for his side and continues to build the defence around Scalvini. Losing him prematurely in the January window will come as a blow for Atalanta and their hopes of returning to the Champions League next season.
Amid Real Madrid’s interest, Atalanta had already placed a €40 million price tag on the rising star and set to stand firm in their asking rate. There’s the interest of domestic rivals Inter Milan, with Simone Inzaghi dreaming of adding Scalvini to his backline and making it all the more formidable.
With Inter considered favourites to sign the 19-year-old, there’s a looming threat emerging from Manchester United, who are chasing the centre-back. Erik ten Hag will enter the winter market searching for a central defender, with Scalvini high on his list of potential targets.
Some reports insisted that his price tag will put him out of Manchester United’s reach, but the club’s board might hand in the funds to make this deal happen. The Red Devils’ recent business with Atalanta for Rasmus Hojlund strengthens their relationship with the Italian side.
Atalanta might open the door for Manchester United rather than selling their top talent to a domestic rival. The latter could help derail their objective of a top-four finish, meaning they might find it wise to sell Scalvini abroad.
With €40 million or more needed to prise Scalvini away from Atalanta, all eyes will be on Manchester United and whether they can afford him in January. For now, a central defender seems important for Ten Hag, as the Dutchman might explore cheaper options first and only then return with an approach for the 19-year-old defensive target.
