Newcastle United have lost 3-2 to Arsenal in their latest pre-season friendly which took place this weekend. So it’s quite clear that the Magpies could do with some reinforcements at the back, although the focus seems to be mostly on the striker position as of now.
That said, it’s not as if Newcastle haven’t been linked with centre-backs. They have actually been linked with quite a few candidates including Giorgio Scalvini, Axel Disasi, among others. However, none of the deals have passed the rumour stage. But if reports are to be believed, that could soon change.
According to Corriere dello Sport (via Give Me Sport), Newcastle have inquired about Parma’s young centre-back Giovanni Leoni. The youngster has been identified as a possible addition to Eddie Howe’s defensive options, with the Magpies joining a number of other clubs looking to secure the player.
Newcastle United make enquiry for Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni
Parma brought Leoni from Sampdoria in 2024 for a reported fee of just €7 million. The player has made 17 Serie A appearances last season and has impressed with his performances.
The Italian defender is highly rated and has the potential to become one of the best in his position in the future. Moreover, Leoni can also operate as a right-back in addition to his primary role at the heart of the defence, and his versatility could prove valuable to the manager given the increasing number of games.
That said, it won’t be easy to secure the player as Parma are reportedly asking for a fee of €40 million for the player, which is a bit steep for an 18-year-old. However, with Anthony Elanga as the only major arrival for Newcastle, the club really need to get some more deals done in this transfer window fast and Leoni could be a great option if they can manage to bring down the cost through negotiations.