Gab Marcotti says only Paulo Dybala is more talented than the ‘supremely gifted’ Nicolo Zaniolo at Jose Mouriho’s AS Roma amid transfer rumours that Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur are keen to take him on board.
The Italian football expert added that there is ‘no question’ or doubting Zaniolo’s qualities, the only issues are the 23-year-old’s past injuries – serious injuries to both knees – and his attitude, as he told ESPN.
Tottenham have added Arnaut Danjuma to their ranks from Villarreal, after he amazingly snubbed an 11th-hour transfer to relegation-strugglers, Everton.
But with Conte seemingly cutting a frustrated figure in north London, just how much is he going to be backed this month?
During the past two transfer windows, he can’t argue that Spurs have put the money on the table, as they continue to express interest in bringing Roma’s quick-thinking playmaker to the club.
With the January transfer window set to slam shut next week, it remains to be seen if a deal for Zaniolo will get done, but he is a player much admired, as Marcotti discussed.
“He asked to be left out of this game (Roma’s win over Spezia),” said Marcotti. “He’s been linked to Tottenham, although, who knows who they are negotiating with there.
“It’s been reported in Rome, although, not confirmed here (in England) that Spurs say ‘okay fine, we will take him on-loan, but no obligation to buy or any of this other stuff’, to which Roma’s point is ‘well, if we are going to let Zaniolo go, we want to sell him now or we can have an obligation to buy, so we can book that revenue, which is important to them’.
“I think, in the long term, Zaniolo is a genuine talent, who may or may not ever make it. But if he’s fit, given what he can do, you are going to kick yourself forever if you let him leave.
“If these are your reasons for not liking Zaniolo (too many injuries and not the right attitude), I have no problem with that. What I have a problem with is people who go and question his tactical ability, his athleticism or whatever else. Those aren’t in question.
“There is no question that a fit Zaniolo is a supremely gifted footballer. Possibly the most talented footballer at Roma, other than Paulo Dybala. There’s no question about that. Mourinho has said so much himself.”
WILL CONTE BE HERE NEXT SEASON?
It’s all good Tottenham signing these players, but will Antonio Conte be at the club next season? That’s the issue facing the club.
The Italian’s contract at Hotspur Way expires in the summer and there are claims from Gianluca di Marzio that he will leave in the summer.
Given the journalist’s strong links with Conte, then it’s not a good sign and, therefore, questions have to be asked as to why someone like Zaniolo would join.
What if he isn’t suited to the style of the next manager? Yes, Spurs might need a player of his ilk, but this isn’t exactly great long-term planning.
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