Upgrade on Joelinton: Newcastle in talks over signing “one of the best CMs”
Newcastle United’s transfer window has been one of the most eventful in the Premier League.
The Magpies, fresh from a fifth-place finish last season and preparing for a Champions League campaign, have already been among the busiest clubs in the market.
Their recruitment strategy has been clear: target young players with scope to grow.
Jacob Ramsey arrived from Aston Villa to add drive to midfield, Malick Thiaw was secured from AC Milan to bolster the back line, and Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale have added depth in attack and the goalkeeping department respectively.
Yet, for all the excitement surrounding these signings, Newcastle’s summer has been dominated by uncertainty around Alexander Isak.
The Swedish striker has been at the centre of intense speculation, refusing to train with the squad and missing the opening fixtures against Aston Villa and Liverpool.
The absence of a recognised number nine left Eddie Howe short of attacking options, with Anthony Gordon even forced to operate as a makeshift forward before his red card compounded matters further.
A sudden £69m agreement with Stuttgart for Nick Woltemade has steadied nerves, but it has not distracted from Newcastle’s wider concerns in midfield.
Injuries to Sandro Tonali and Joelinton – even if not serious – have exposed how dependent Howe’s side can be on certain personnel.
It is within this context that the Magpies have begun exploring additional midfield reinforcements.
While one target in particular has caught their attention, prising him away from Inter Milan will be anything but straightforward.
Newcastle table approach for Serie A star
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Newcastle United have lodged a proposal for Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi, with talks continuing over a potential late move.
Their initial suggestion involved a loan deal with an obligation to buy, but the terms of that arrangement are far from guaranteed.
The Nerazzurri value the midfielder at around €40m (£35m) and would only sanction an exit if the structure of the deal was near-certain – either through a permanent transfer or a cast-iron obligation to purchase.
Frattesi is far from surplus to requirements at San Siro.
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Although Inter’s midfield remains one of the deepest in Europe, manager Cristian Chivu considers the Italian international an important part of his side.
Indeed, the 25-year-old former Sassuolo man has carved out a reputation as one of the most dynamic midfielders in Italy.
Fabrizio Romano recently described him as “one of the best midfielders in Serie A,” a testament to his all-action playing style.
For Newcastle, the pursuit of Frattesi appears to be linked directly to the fitness issues of Joelinton and Tonali.
While neither is expected to face long-term layoffs, the scare was enough to prompt the club to consider adding extra depth.
However, with Ramsey already added this summer and Inter proving resistant to complex proposals, it remains to be seen if a deal will be struck.
Even so, the very fact they made the enquiry highlights how highly they regard Frattesi and how keen they are to ensure their midfield remains among the strongest in England.
Why Frattesi represents an upgrade on Joelinton
From a tactical standpoint, the Italian midfielder offers a profile that differs significantly from Joelinton.
At 29 years old, the Brazilian is approaching his peak years and has been a vital part of Howe’s project, not least for his versatility in operating as both a box-to-box midfielder and an occasional forward.
Last season, he contributed 4 goals and 3 assists in 29 Premier League appearances, while also ranking well for defensive metrics such as tackles (2.14 per 90) and blocks (1.39 per 90).
His combative style and physical presence have long made him a fan favourite. Frattesi, however, provides a more modern interpretation of the central midfield role.
His ability to break forward into advanced areas is reflected in his statistical profile.
Davide Frattesi – 2024/25
Matches Played
28
Goals
5
Assists
5
Progressive Carries
23
Progressive Passes
31
Shot-Creating Actions
19
Source: FBref
According to FBref, he ranks in the 99th percentile for non-penalty expected goals per 90 (0.37), the 95th percentile for total shots (1.91), and the 93rd percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area (3.08).
Few midfielders in Serie A can match his late runs into the box or his instinct for goal-scoring opportunities.
Compared to Joelinton, he registers a higher volume of shots per 90 (2.06 vs 1.69) and demonstrates greater efficiency in getting into dangerous positions, even if his shot accuracy (25%) lags slightly behind the Brazilian’s (28.9%).
Defensively, the comparison tilts back towards Joelinton.
The Brazilian remains stronger in duels, tackles, and blocks, highlighting his value in regaining possession and providing cover in midfield.
Frattesi, by contrast, is less imposing in pure defensive numbers, averaging 1.25 tackles per 90 and 0.88 blocks – a reflection of his role in a side where he is tasked with progressing the ball and supporting the attack rather than anchoring.
Where the Italian really shines is in transitional play.
His 1.70 progressive carries per 90 underline his ability to drive the ball forward, while his off-the-ball movement allows him to destabilise defensive lines and create space for teammates.
Comparisons have even been drawn with Scott McTominay of Napoli and Roma’s Niccolò Pisilli – midfielders who combine stamina with attacking intent.
In a Newcastle side often reliant on the directness of Joelinton and the passing range of Bruno Guimarães, Frattesi’s blend of dynamism and goal threat could provide a new dimension.
Crucially, the 25-year-old is also a player for the long term.
With a market value of €35m (£30m), as per Transfermarkt, he offers both current quality and future resale potential, aligning with Newcastle’s strategy of recruiting players with prime years still ahead of them.
While Joelinton has been integral to the club’s rise, the Italian’s ceiling appears higher, particularly in terms of end product.
For Howe, the question is whether depth or evolution is the priority.
If the aim is to simply safeguard against injuries to Tonali and Joelinton, then Newcastle’s midfield may already be well-stocked.
But if the ambition is to add a midfielder capable of pushing the side towards the next level in Europe, Frattesi represents a compelling option.
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