Newcastle are intensifying their interest in one Juventus player, and are considering making an offer worth around £25 million after stepping up their pursuit.
The Magpies have already signed one defender in the summer transfer window, with Lloyd Kelly moving to St James’ Park on a free transfer – and it appears that they are working on strengthening their ranks further.
Newcastle have been terribly unlucky with injuries in the last 12 months, with the likes of Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles currently enduring lengthy spells on the sidelines.
It seems that they could be about to make a significant offer for one Juventus star, with Gazzetta dello Sport reporting that they are tracking Federico Gatti and keen to step up their interest.
Newcastle stepping up interest in Federico Gatti
In fact, the report even claims that Newcastle could confirm their interest with a bid worth up to £25 million for the 26-year-old, which would, it seems, leave the Old Lady with a decision to make.
Gatti enjoyed a really important season in Turin last year, making 30 Serie A starts for the club, having spent much of the early part of his career in the lower leagues. His form saw him earn a place in Italy’s squad for Euro 2024.
Defender compared with both Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci
Gatti offers plenty of versatility, having previously played as a midfielder. And he is very comfortable playing in a two-man centre-back pairing or in a back three.
He has actually been compared with Giorgio Chiellini in the past due to his physicality and aggression, while he apparently has the quality on the ball of Leonardo Bonucci.
Newcastle have not exactly splashed the cash as many expected when the new owners came into the club, so it would be interesting if they decided to make such a bid given that he has only just really proven himself at Italy’s top table.
But given how he has stepped up with Juve, perhaps the Newcastle hierarchy feel confident that he could be capable of adapting to the demands of the Premier League.