Giorgio Scalvini, the Atalanta centre-back, is reportedly on Tottenham’s wishlist as part of a five-club Premier League pursuit, with the Serie A side expected to demand a hefty fee if anyone comes calling in January.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Scalvini is one of the names Tottenham have identified as they look to strengthen the backline. The same report claims Tottenham, Chelsea and Newcastle United all made enquiries for the 22-year-old over the summer, while Manchester United and Manchester City have held historical interest and are keeping tabs on him ahead of January. That distinction matters: enquiries are not offers, and interest from two years ago isn’t the same as a live pursuit now. Tottenham’s interest in Scalvini sits alongside that wider field rather than out in front of it.
Scalvini’s Situation at Atalanta
Scalvini has long been rated as one of Italy’s better young centre-backs, but a 2024 ACL injury and 2025 shoulder surgery interrupted his progress. TEAMtalk’s report says he has looked back to his best since the start of this season, and Atalanta have responded by tying him down on a new deal that reportedly runs until 2031, a length of contract that gives Bergamo considerable leverage over any suitor.
Why Tottenham Could Want Another Centre-Back
Tottenham’s defence has been through wholesale change this summer, with Cristian Romero, Kevin Danso and Djed Spence all departing while Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson and Tosin Adarabioyo arrived. The Van Hecke-Van de Ven pairing has yet to fully click, and the backline has copped criticism for conceding some avoidable goals – context that fits into the wider question of how Roberto De Zerbi is rebuilding Tottenham’s defence and where the next reinforcement fits into his recruitment priorities this season.
Competition and the Contract Barrier
Newcastle are described as Scalvini’s biggest admirers, having reportedly made more than one attempt to sign him, while Chelsea’s interest sits alongside Tottenham’s. Manchester United and Manchester City remain watching parties rather than active bidders, per the report, but the overall picture from England is said to be growing stronger regardless of Scalvini’s new deal.
None of that changes the fundamental obstacle: a contract running to 2031 means Atalanta can set their own price and wait. A January move, if it happens at all, would likely cost whoever comes calling a substantial fee – and there’s no indication yet that Tottenham are prepared to be the club that pays it.
