Kevin Hatchard has praised the ‘technically gifted’ Nicolo Zaniolo, who wants to leave Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma amid transfer interest from Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur.
The European football expert added that Zaniolo is someone that ‘Tottenham need’, but he did question how he would currently fit into Conte’s system.
Less than a week remains before the January transfer window slams shut and Spurs are yet to bring in any new faces, with the team producing a number of mixed results and performances this season.
A player of Zaniolo’s quality would certainly elevate the quality levels in the middle of the park, as well as put a smile on the face of Conte because he can get someone in who he wants.
Whilst Tottenham are keen on the 23-year-old, there are suggestions that Zaniolo has agreed terms with AC Milan.
Nonetheless, European football expert Hatchard shared a lowdown on Zaniolo, who could be heading for the exit door in Roma by the time the January transfer window slams shut, as he told Transfer Talk on Sky Sports.
“I really like him,” said Hatchard. “You have to bear in mind with him, this is a guy that was called up by Roberto Mancini for Italy before he played in Serie A because there was so much buzz about him. He did really well for Inter’s youth side. Inter, because they wanted to sign Radja Nainggolan from Roma, packaged him in that deal for €4.5m, and that’s proven to be a bit of an error.
“There is great talent there. He likes to play as a ten, that’s what he always says. He is great on the ball. The problem is that, in a Conte system, there isn’t necessarily a place for him. But I feel that’s what Spurs need. Somebody who, he’s not an Eriksen type where he can pick a pass or anything like that. He’s great on the ball and technically gifted. Strong.
“His progress has been curtailed by two ACL injuries. He did one knee and then he did the other, which is horrendous luck for him. We haven’t seen the Zaniolo he is capable of this season. But he did get the winner in the Conference League final last season, so there is a quality player there.
“But it seems he wants to go. And Jose Mourinho has said quite openly, ‘if he wants to go, then fine, but we need the right offer’. “
TOTTENHAM’S JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW
Last January, Spurs brought in Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski from Juventus and they made the world of difference in the team securing Champions League football.
It seems as though that sort of freshness is needed this month as well, but mainly at the back.
Whilst there is talk of adding to the attack, including the north London club hijacking Everton’s deal for Villarreal winger, Arnaut Danjuma.
It’s the defence that needs fixing up, perhaps another right-sided wing-back is needed because that has proven to be a problem area for many, many months.
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