Liverpool have reportedly set their sights on Nicolo Zaniolo of AS Roma, who could be forced to sell their star players amid Covid-19 crisis.
According to Corriere Dello Sport, as cited by SportsMole, Liverpool have emerged as the frontrunners in the pursuit of Nicolo Zaniolo. The AS Roma star is facing an uncertain future at the club, who might be forced to sell their star players in order to recover from the financial toll inflicted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Zaniolo reportedly had a £71 million release clause prior to the suspension of football across the globe. However, that figure could significantly decrease, thus giving Liverpool a massive boost, although the Reds could still face stiff competition, especially from league rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.
However, both of those clubs are in danger of missing out on Champions League football once again, which could significantly reduce their chances of signing the AS Roma superstar. At the same time, it makes Liverpool, who are sitting handsomely at the top of the Premier League table, a firm favourite to secure the services of the Italian.
That being said, Zaniolo has had a difficult campaign in Serie A so far. He wasn’t helped by an injury crisis at the club, forcing coach Paulo Fonseca to deploy him in a wide-attacking role. Although the midfielder had played in that role last season, he is clearly most effective when operating as the number ten.
Zaniolo’s early-season blues were followed by an unfortunate ACL injury in January that has still kept him out on the sidelines. Overall, the Italian international has been involved in just five goals in 18 matches. And his lack of game-time potentially makes him a risky target for Liverpool.
The Reds are in desperate need of an attacking midfielder, who can complement the creative output provided by the revered duo of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. Zaniolo, in that regard, might not exactly fit the bill given his injury-prone nature, combined with the fact that he has very little experience at the highest level of football.
Jurgen Klopp could set his sights on other alternatives, however, with Kai Havertz, in particular, making a strong case. The Bayer Leverkusen star has been in red-hot form this year and is definitely a star in the making. However, Liverpool could face stiff competition in the pursuit of Havertz too, with the player himself reportedly preferring a move to Bayern Munich.