Newcastle United have reportedly made a firm approach to Inter Milan over a possible move for versatile defender Federico Dimarco in the summer.
According to Football Transfers, Newcastle United hold concrete interest in Inter full-back Federico Dimarco and have submitted an enquiry to know the Serie A club’s valuation of the Italian international.
The report adds that the player switched agencies in February and is now signed to Roc Nation, which have close links to Premier League teams. However, it is still unclear if he would be interested in a move to St. James’ Park.
Since the Saudi Public Investment Fund took over the Magpies in late 2021, they have made a number of smart signings. In general, these have not been big-money superstar deals. Despite having a lot of money to spend, the majority of their acquisitions have not been huge names.
Now that they have secured Champions League football for the upcoming season, though, it is not surprising that their recruitment approach has changed slightly this summer. This is shown in the statement capture of Italian international Sandro Tonali from AC Milan.
The 23-year-old has long been regarded as one of Europe’s most promising players in his position after helping Milan win the Scudetto in 2021 and reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals last season. Now, it appears Newcastle United are planning to raid the other side of Milan, having sounded out a move for Inter left-back Federico Dimarco.
It is easy to understand why, given Dimarco’s role in Inter’s run to the Champions League final last season, where he started 10 of their 13 games, including the entire 90-minute loss to Manchester City in Istanbul. Dimarco can play left-back and also left wing-back given his attacking nature, highlighted by his 16-goal contributions for Inter in all competitions last season (six goals, ten assists).
It is well documented that Eddie Howe wants a new left-back this window to likely replace towering makeshift left-back Dan Burn for the 2023/24 season and beyond. While Burn had an excellent campaign in that part of the pitch last season, the fan favourite is not expected to start there in the Champions League next season.
Kieran Tierney had been strongly linked with a switch from Arsenal to St. James’ Park. But it appears Dimarco, who is on €4.5 million-a-year wages, is Howe’s preferred option, primarily due to his versatile nature. It would be quite the coup for Newcastle should they pull off a transfer swoop for Dimarco, who has also been linked to Real Madrid and Manchester United in recent weeks.
That said, with talks in their early stages, a lot would hinge on Inter’s asking price and Newcastle’s summer budget. He still has three years left to run on his €4.5 million-a-year San Siro contract. So Inter are in a strong negotiating position and will not feel obliged to sell unless their hefty valuation is met in full.
