Transfer News: Manchester City join Real Madrid in pursuit of AS Roma sensation Nicolo Zaniolo

Manchester City and Real Madrid are reportedly set to battle it out for AS Roma’s teenage attacker Nicolo Zaniolo in the summer transfer window.

According to a report from TransferMarketWeb, Premier League champions Manchester City are interested in signing AS Roma’s teenage sensation Nicolo Zaniolo. The versatile attacking midfielder is also a target for reigning European champions Real Madrid.

The 19-year-old Zaniolo came through the youth ranks at Fiorentina and had a brief spell at Inter Milan as well, before switching to AS Roma this past summer, as part of the deal that saw Radja Nainggolan move the other way. In his debut campaign with the capital club, the midfielder has managed to make a strong impression.

So far this term, Zaniolo has featured on 25 occasions across all competitions, finding the back of the net five times, while setting up two more for his teammates. Able to play in a multitude of positions in the attacking third, the Italian has impressed with his dribbling skills and the ability to pierce defences with through balls.

Zaniolo’s performances this term have attracted serious attention from La Liga giants Real Madrid. The Merengues have moved to a youth-centered recruitment policy recently, as indicated by the signings of Vinicius Junior, Dani Ceballos, Rodrygo, Brahim Diaz to name a few.

And they view Zaniolo as another exciting addition with immense potential to their attacking contigent, especially amid serious interest in Spanish attacker Marco Asensio from Italian champions Juventus.

However, they will now have to battle Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the race to the sign the teenager. The Citizens have one of the most well-rounded attacks across Europe with exceptional quality in each position in the final third of the pitch.

But, in order to achieve complete domination on the continental level, the former Barcelona boss remains keen on adding quality to his roster further. Given the potential that Zaniolo has shown in his fledgling career at the top level with Roma, Manchester City are monitoring him with a summer move being lined up.

Apart from Manchester City and Real Madrid, Chelsea too are believed to be keeping an eye on the 19-year-old sensation, while the report from TMW adds that Bayern Munich and Juventus have also cast admiring glances towards the Italian.

Zaniolo is contracted with Roma till the end of the 2022-23 season and given the start he has made to life at the Stadio Olimpico, it is unlikely that the Giallorossi would be willing to sanction a sale in the summer window. It remains to be seen though, if either of Manchester City or Real Madrid are able to convince the Serie A giants to part with the teenager.