Tottenham have reportedly seen an offer of £25million plus Joe Rodon for Roma wonderkid Nicolo Zaniolo rejected – but just a few million more, and Fabio Paratici would be pulling off one of his best deals as Spurs transfer guru.
Zaniolo, 22, has been in remarkable form for Roma – off the back of a long-term spell on the sidelines through injury. An Italy regular, he had a hand in 17 goals in 42 games for Roma last season under Jose Mourinho.
He scored the winner in the first-ever Europa Conference League final. A player that can play anywhere in attack, up front with a Harry Kane-like striker – like he has done with Tammy Abraham. Either flank, or even as a 10.
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A wonderful talent, and a player Tottenham really need. The sale of Steven Bergwijn has left them light in terms of cover, even with Richarlison added. Antonio Conte has five top-class attacking options – but a sixth is needed.
Tottenham see Rodon offer rejected for Zaniolo: One of Paratici’s best
Lucas Moura and Dejan Kulusevski are likely to provide cover for Richarlison, Harry Kane and Son Heung-min. But with Spurs competing on four fronts, they need another in the final third and Zaniolo’s versatility makes him ideal.
Reports on Thursday say that Spurs have tabled an offer of £25million plus Rodon. Rodon has recently been linked with Roma, a player that was signed at Tottenham by Mourinho. A reunion is on the cards between the duo.
While a bid has been rejected, it is a move that will surely have tempted Roma. Getting a player they supposedly want, plus a sizeable amount of cash for Zaniolo – especially after bringing in Paulo Dybala on a free transfer.
Paratici simply has to return with a second offer. Keep Rodon in the deal, but simply up the cash offer by say, another £5million. He is close to completing what could be one of his best deals since coming to Tottenham.
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