Newcastle United are reportedly locked in talks over a potential €50 million summer swoop for Torino’s central defensive powerhouse, Gleison Bremer.
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, cash-rich Newcastle United are one among a host of clubs who have made phone calls and have sent scouts to watch Torino defender Gleison Bremer live in action ahead of submitting a formal offer in the summer transfer window.
Regarded as one of the best central defenders in Serie A, Bremer came through the youth ranks at Atlético Mineiro before signing for Torino in 2018. His rise to prominence has been a slow burner, but he has gradually emerged as one of Serie A’s most sought-after players, with the Brazilian star currently enjoying a fine season in the Italian top flight.
The 25-year-old defender has notched up over 100 competitive appearances for the club, chipping in with 13 goals and 5 assists from centre-back. A physically powerful centre-back with imposing aerial ability and decent speed, he has been a mainstay in the Torino backline with 29 Serie A outings as they steer towards a mid-table finish this term after a narrow relegation escape last season.
Bremer extended his contract with the Serie A club until the summer of 2024 by signing a new deal last month. However, he is expected to leave the club later this year, with several elite clubs interested in his services, including Italian heavyweights Inter Milan and AC Milan, who want to keep the defender in Italy.
The interest from the Milan giants in the defender is understandable, with him leading the Serie A charts for most successful interceptions (107), most clearances (175), and most blocks (76), while he ranks third in aerial duels won with 138.
However, considering the finances involved in any potential deal, the Premier League appears to be the most likely destination for the defender this summer. Liverpool are apparently willing to pay £25 million for the Brazilian, whereas North London duo Arsenal and Tottenham remain in the race for his signature. Now, newly-minted Newcastle have also reignited their interest in the Torino ace.
Recent reports have suggested that Newcastle remain interested in a deal to sign Sevilla defender Diego Carlos, who was strongly linked to them in January. However, they will not haggle with the Andalusian outfit for the 29-year-old centre-back once again.
To that end, Bremer would be an excellent alternative for Carlos. He is 25 years old, which makes him four years younger than Carlos and would be a big upgrade on the likes of Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark.
In addition to his defensive work rate and no-nonsense mentality, Bremer is a born leader and has the ability to read the game. The 6ft 2in Brazilian powerhouse boasts a commanding presence inside his penalty box and would inject even more bite and steel into the Magpies’ backline.
It was claimed earlier that Torino would be willing to part ways with Bremer for a fee in the region of €25 million, but as per Gazzetta Dello Sport, he could cost more than €50 million given the recent steep market trend for centre-backs in recent times. That sum, though, should not be an issue for Newcastle United.