CalcioMercato claim Tottenham are working on a deal to sign Roma ace Nicolo Zaniolo this summer – and will look to lure the Italian to London from Jose Mourinho’s side, whether Antonio Conte is in charge, or not.
Zaniolo, 22, has been superb for Roma this season after overcoming some injury issues to have a hand in 15 goals for Mourinho’s men. At times, he has partnered Tammy Abraham up top – scoring seven, creating eight.
Roma Live recently reported that both Tottenham and Liverpool want to sign the Italy midfielder – and it appears Spurs are intent on luring him to England. It is said Zaniolo will not be putting pen to paper on a new deal.
His asking price is £42million according to Roma Live, for a player that scored a sensational hat-trick in the Conference League earlier this season. The latest report states Tottenham will look to get him, even if Conte goes.
The Italian gaffer could walk if Spurs fail to get fourth and it has been claimed – most recently by French journalist Julien Laurens – that his representatives have spoken to PSG over replacing Mauricio Pochettino.
Zaniolo to Tottenham: Roma star would be brilliant for Spurs
What makes Zaniolo the ideal addition for the North London club in the summer, is that he can play in a variety of positions. Spurs need back-up for Harry Kane, but a back-up striker will be forced to warm the bench.
Fernando Llorente, Vincent Janssen and Carlos Vinicius have all played that role and left soon after – a lack of momentum and game time making them struggle. Spurs need a player able to play up top, but in other areas too.
Zaniolo can do that. Up top, either wing, as a 10 or even deeper as an eight. He has the versatility, the guile, the ability to play anywhere in the final third. His only issue – discipline. 12 yellow and two reds, this season.
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