Report: Tottenham can now sign Conte’s No.1 target after productive talks, club happy to sell

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According to Foot Mercato, Roma are now happy to sell Nicolo Zaniolo after holding talks with Tottenham.

What’s the story?

Well, negotiations are said to be continuing between Roma and Spurs, but Antonio Conte has just been given significant encouragement in pursuit of his No.1 target.

Foot Mercato believe Roma want to help José Mourinho strengthen his squad even more, but that will only be possible if sales are made.

As a result, the UEFA Conference League winners are prepared to sacrifice Zaniolo, as he doesn’t fit into Mourinho’s preferred attack.

Foot Mercato state that Roma intend to line up with a 3-4-1-2 formation in which Tammy Abraham and Paulo Dybala will lead the line, with Lorenzo Pellegrini supporting them.

Therefore, Roma are happy to cash in on Zaniolo, who they value at €50m (£43m).

Interestingly, Foot Mercato add that the Italian giants would even be prepared to sanction an initial season-long loan deal where Tottenham have a purchase option in 2023.

If that is true, it would almost be too good to refuse for Spurs. It would allow them to see how Zaniolo copes in English football, while it would also help them spread out their payments after an expensive summer so far.

Nicolo Zaniolo can transform Tottenham

As things stand, Conte has a very good squad on his hands.

However, the Italian is missing a No.8 who can break free from midfield and contribute in the final third.

The likes of Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are all quality players, but none of them are remotely threatening in front of goal.

Combined, the trio scored just five goals last season – Bentancur failed to score, Bissouma netted two goals, while Hojbjerg scored three.

In Zaniolo’s case, the Italy international scored eight goals, and also impressively provided nine assists.

If Conte had the energetic 23-year-old supporting Harry Kane and Heung-min Son from midfield, Tottenham could go on to do special things in the 2022/23 season.