According to Calciomercato, Roma are willing to accept an offer of €40m (£34m) for Nicolo Zaniolo, with Tottenham and Newcastle interested in signing him.
What’s the story?
Well, Spurs and the Magpies want to bring Zaniolo to the Premier League, and they’ve now been given some encouragement.
Instead of issuing a hands-off warning, Roma have instead put a fairly reasonable price tag on the 8-cap Italy international’s head.
Calciomercato mention Tottenham’s interest, whereas it was Corriere dello Sport who revealed that Newcastle are keen.
It is also said that Fabio Paratici – Director of Football at Tottenham – is a huge admirer of Zaniolo.
The 22-year-old is struggling to agree a new contract with Roma, and the Serie A side do not view negotiations as a priority right now.
Roma’s Sporting Director – Tiago Pinto – also failed to confirm that the former Inter Milan wonderkid will be at Roma next season.
So far this season, Zaniolo has scored four goals while also providing five assists in 26 appearances.
Tottenham or Newcastle could sign a gem
In our view, £34m is a fair price for Zaniolo if he continues his current trajectory.
Roberto Mancini even likened the Italian to Paul Pogba, as the attacking midfielder is hugely talented both technically and physically.
The France international and World Cup winner is one of the most complete players in Europe, which bodes well for Zaniolo.
£34m could be viewed as a bargain if Zaniolo ends up becoming one of the best in Europe himself at the age of 24 or 25.
It reminds us of the time people baulked when Liverpool paid that same fee for Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah – nowadays, the pair are probably worth a combined £300m.
If Calciomercato are telling the truth, Spurs and Newcastle should be all over that £34m price tag – it could prove to be a snip.
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