Italian outlet CMW claim that Arsenal want to sign long-term Tottenham target Nicolo Zaniolo from Roma and could make a move in the January window – but Roma would like a straight-swap deal, involving Arsenal defender Gabriel.
Zaniolo, 23, is one third of a star-studded front three alongside Paulo Dybala and Tammy Abraham at Roma this term. But it comes after a summer-long saga in which the Italy international was the subject of interest from Tottenham.
Reports claim that both Tottenham and Chelsea wanted to sign Zaniolo in the summer. A player that has had a hand in 37 goals during 113 Roma appearances, despite numerous issues with injury. Arsenal are now said to be interested.
It is claimed that Arsenal would love to sign Zaniolo, possibly as early as January. It comes after Arsenal allowed Nicolas Pepe to join Nice on loan. The Gunners have just two strikers up top. Zaniolo can play out wide, as a 10 and up front.
His attacking versatility would be perfect for Arsenal. The Gunners are interested, but Jose Mourinho has a plan. The Roma gaffer would rather a straight-swap deal for Zaniolo – signing £39million-rated Gabriel from the Gunners.
Arsenal want Tottenham target Zaniolo: Roma would like Gabriel swap
What a signing Zaniolo would be. For any Premier League club, he would have an impact. At Arsenal, he has a serious chance of breaking into the starting XI and would get plenty of game time under Mikel Arteta. Not so much at Spurs.
But if Roma are only willing to do a deal with the Gunners for Zaniolo, by including Gabriel – they have to avoid him. Yes, Arsenal do now have William Saliba and Ben White at right-back. But Gabriel is one of the leaders in the team.
He is crucial to the Gunners and must be kept if Arteta is planning to do something special with his Arsenal side. Arsenal must reject any advances Roma make regarding Gabriel – even if it means that could sign Zaniolo.
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