CalcioMercato report that Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo is in ‘no rush’ to sign a new contract with Jose Mourinho’s side. Tottenham and Newcastle are said to be interested in a summer move to sign the Italy international.
Zaniolo, 22, has had an interesting last couple of games. Against Empoli in a 4-2 win, the attacker scored one and created another but last time out – he saw VAR rule out an injury-time winner. Moments later, he was sent off.
A player that can score, create, but also shows the tenacity and passion capable of the odd indiscretion. CalcioMercato previously reported Tottenham will have to pay £34million, while CDS say Newcastle are keen.
Zaniolo has a contract at Roma until the summer of 2024. Clearly, Roma are keen to tie down the long-term future of Zaniolo – after 29 goal involvements in 96 games. But Zaniolo is not as keen to get a deal done.
Perhaps waiting to see if Premier League clubs act on their supposed interest, CM report that Zaniolo is in ‘no rush’ to put pen to paper. It might give Newcastle and Tottenham an opportunity to get him in the summer.
Zaniolo contract: Newcastle or Tottenham, which is best fit?
Tottenham have just brought in Dejan Kulusevski, but the Swede is seen more as a potential wing-back, a winger or even a no.10 by Antonio Conte. Zaniolo is a different player, a player who takes authority in the final third.
He is playing up front with Tammy Abraham at the moment in a 3-5-2 system under Jose Mourinho. It makes him, possibly, the ideal cover for Harry Kane – given he can play in other positions, too.
He would certainly suit Spurs – but he would massively improve Newcastle. On the right of a front three with Callum Wilson or Chris Wood, and Allan Saint-Maximin, he would start week in, week out. Time will tell.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
