Leeds are now keen to sign Arsenal target Nicolo Zaniolo from Roma – however, Tottenham have already made the first move.
What’s the story?
Well, it was Corriere della Sera who claimed that Mikel Arteta had already held a meeting over a deal for the Italy international.
Elsewhere, it was Gianluca Di Marzio who revealed that Spurs have already made an offer for Zaniolo, proposing to take the Italian on loan with an obligation to buy at the end of the season.
Now, Leeds have joined the race – according to Calciomercato in Italy.
The Italian news outlet believe Newcastle and West Ham are also interested in Zaniolo as well as Leeds, with Roma open to selling their No.22 this month.
Calciomercato believe Roma want a sum in the region of €35m – €40m (£31m – £35m) for the 23-year-old, who they signed for just €4.5m (£4m) from Inter Milan back in 2018.
The Massa-born sensation has made 17 appearances in all competitions so far this season, scoring two goals while also providing three assists.
Zaniolo also scored the winning goal in the UEFA Conference League final last season, helping Roma to a 1-0 win over Feyenoord.
Leeds & Arsenal could lose out to Tottenham
In our view, Leeds and Arsenal should be wary of missing out on Zaniolo to Tottenham.
Fabio Paratici – Director of Football at Spurs – has contacts in Italian football having also worked in the same role at Juventus for many years.
It has helped the 50-year-old bring some of Serie A’s finest talents to Tottenham, such as Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur, while the World Cup winning Cristian Romero was also signed from Atalanta.
Of course, Zaniolo could be tempted to join the Premier League leaders instead given the fact Arsenal seem likely to win the title, although we can’t see a move to Leeds materialising given the competition for his signature.
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