Giorgio Scalvini open to leaving Atalanta as Newcastle and Chelsea monitor defender

Giorgio Scalvini has suggested he could move abroad in the future, despite recently extending his Atalanta contract until the summer of 2031.

The 22-year-old defender said he would like to experience football outside Italy during a news conference on Wednesday, held before Italy’s Nations League match against France on Friday.

Scalvini was asked about his decision to remain with Atalanta after the club announced the new contract over the weekend. He said: “I have always been here, and I renewed because I have always felt comfortable.”

But he also acknowledged that he understood why some players chose to leave Italy.

“At the same time, I understand those who change clubs and go abroad,” Scalvini added. “One day, I would like to do that.”

He explained that moving abroad would allow him to broaden his experience, although he believes he is already developing at Atalanta.

“I want to do it to gain new experiences and learn new concepts, but I am already learning those things at Atalanta,” he said.

Scalvini was a target for Newcastle during the previous summer transfer window, while he was also linked with Chelsea in the summer of 2025.

Reports in July said Atalanta valued the defender at more than €50m. That figure could increase following his contract extension, although Scalvini has not ruled out leaving the club for a new challenge outside Italy before the end of his career.

His comments came as he discussed a range of issues surrounding the national team, including Italy’s 4-1 victory over Turkey, the forthcoming meeting with France and Roberto Mancini’s return to lead the side.

Scalvini made his Italy debut at the age of 18 during Mancini’s first spell in charge. He has spent his entire professional career with Atalanta and made seven appearances for the club this season, playing 566 minutes.

Atalanta’s new agreement keeps him at the club until the summer of 2031 and extends the career of a defender who developed through the club’s academy.

Scalvini began at Palazzolo before moving to Brescia’s youth setup. He joined Atalanta’s academy in 2015, a year the club describes as the “beginning of the love story”.

He has remained with Atalanta ever since, but his latest comments indicate that a future move abroad remains a possibility despite his long-term commitment to the Bergamo club.