Manchester United join Chelsea in pursuit of Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini
Manchester United have joined Chelsea for top young Serie A centre-back Giorgio Scalvini. The United scouts were present to witness the 20-year-old’s performance for Atlanta against AS Roma.
According to HITC, (h/t Express) Erik ten Hag’s side are impressed by the Italian defender but will face big competition as plenty of clubs are in line to sign him.
It is understood United have been monitoring the Scalvini situation and are in advanced talks with Atlanta to sign the talented 20-year-old, who has made 20 appearances for the club this season.
The report further says the Red Devils are ready to activate the £44 million release clause before any other club swoops in. The Blues are also in the race, but so far they have only expressed interest. AC Milan, Juventus, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid have expressed interest, but United seem to be ahead in the race.
At 1.94 cm, Scalvini is one of the tallest defenders available, therefore the club will be eager to sign him. The centre-back has drawn a lot of interest from elite European teams due to his astounding performance, despite his age.
Chelsea have already confirmed they want a defender. Mauricio Pochettino said he wants to sign a defender because, by the end of the season, Thiago Silva is likely to leave and we will have to find his replacement.
And on top of that, our mounting injury problem forces the club to make new signings. Scalvini is good enough to warrant a place in the team, nevertheless.
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Although he is still in the early stages of his growth, Scalvini is a talented young player who will blossom under Pochettino. It will be interesting to see how Chelsea addresses his acquisition because we face a lot of competition for his signing.