Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo has been attracting interest from Tottenham, and now Manchester United are ready to rival Spurs for his signature.
Manchester United are ramping up their efforts to bring in quality players from the transfer market. They do have a few notable targets in mind, although nothing concrete has been struck so far. According to The Mirror, Manchester United have entered the race to sign Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo as they will have to rival Tottenham for his signature.
Zaniolo’s name had been mentioned more than once before in terms of Premier League interest. Tottenham were thought to be the frontrunners for the Italian’s signature, but things have changed now. Manchester United are ready to pull out all guns to bring the young Italian to Old Trafford, but things could be complicated.
Zaniolo only joined Roma last summer as part of the deal with Inter for Radja Nainggolan. Zaniolo went on to have an impressive season with Roma, scoring 6 goals in all competitions. His two goals against Porto in the Champions League also made him the youngest Italian to score twice in the competition.
While Manchester United are clearly a side in need of quality midfielders, Zaniolo could fit the profile of young, emerging talents that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking for to build a new core. However, he could make the step up at Old Trafford if the future of Paul Pogba is elsewhere. Additionally, United are in the market to find a replacement for the departed Ander Herrera.
United have been tailing other targets for this position. Although with Giovani Lo Celso set to snub their interest, Zaniolo is someone they might want.
According to Roma director, they do not have current plans to sell Zaniolo, although did not confirm he will play his football in Rome next season. He said, “I have to work to get the best out of Zaniolo and my job isn’t just buying and selling players, as I have direct contact with the squad.
“I see them every day and consider them to be teammates. I never put Zaniolo on the market.I can’t rule anything out either, because nobody thought Juventus would sell Zinedine Zidane and yet they did. What I can say is that today Zaniolo is not on the market.”
As for Zaniolo’s other Premier League suitor, Tottenham, the Italian might represent a cheaper alternative to other targets. Having already strengthened their side with Lyon’s Tanguy Ndombele earlier, Mauricio Pochettino is on the lookout for a box-to-box midfielder who could orchestrate things from the middle.
Spurs have also been on the trails of Lo Celso, but they might deem him expensive in comparison to Zaniolo. Roma might be convinced to sell. This price tag might undoubtedly be affordable for both United and Spurs. However, it will take a lot of convincing from the Premier League side to persuade Roma to sell, after the midfielder impressing in his only season.
Zaniolo could fit both sides perfectly. It will come down to Roma’s decision in the end. If Zaniolo is to choose, then the decision might be tough. Spurs might feel having the upper hand due to Champions League football, but the lure of playing at Old Trafford could trump that.
