Italian outlet CMW claim Newcastle are “observing” AC Milan and France U21 defender Pierre Kalulu ahead of the January transfer window and could move for the £26m ace, even if he signs a new contract with the Serie A champions.
Kalulu, 22, has impressed at Milan since joining the club from Lyon in the summer of 2020. In that time, he has clocked up 69 games. Playing in all 14 of Milan’s matches this season, he has started 11 times, coming on as a sub three times.
An impressive talent, then. Kalulu is considered one of Serie A’s best young defenders. If Newcastle actually need another central defender, having signed Sven Botman in the summer from Lille, is another story. Hardly, a necessity.
The report claims that Newcastle are keeping tabs on the France Under-21 international. He might sign a new contract at Milan – but it is claimed would not deter Newcastle. A fee between £21.7million and £26million would tempt Milan.
Newcastle observing Milan defender Kalulu, even if he signs new deal
Newcastle do not need a central defender as a priority. They have other options alongside Botman, such as Jamaal Lascelles, Dan Burn, Fabian Schar and others. But Burn is playing at left-back, and like Schar, is now in his thirties.
Despite being club captain, Lascelles has been in and out of the side. They could do with another long-term option alongside Botman, even if it is not a priority. It is not as important as another midfielder, or even a right-winger.
So, signing Kalulu does make sense, especially as he would offer cover on the right side of the defence. But he is not a player Newcastle need so much as other areas of the team at this moment in time. He could be part of the long-term.
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