Manchester United have set their sights on Nicolo Zaniolo of AS Roma, reportedly readying an offer of around €30 million.
According to Il Messaggero, Manchester United are hoping to take advantage of the current financial situation prevalent at AS Roma to secure the services of Nicolo Zaniolo.
With a host of European clubs still licking their wounds after the economic devastation caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, Manchester United value the AS Roma playmaker around €30 million, and they are willing to offer a handsome €5 million per season salary for the player if he agrees to move to England this summer.
AS Roma do not have any intention of offloading the Italian international, with the club chiefs viewing him as the face of the their long-term future. However, the said financial problems may ultimately force their hand, as the Serie A giants do need to sell a few of their players to balance the books following a disastrous 2020.
In addition to the market climate, injuries have also played a key role in Zaniolo’s lowered valuation as the Italian international has suffered from the recurring ACL injury he endured at the start of last year. It initially kept him out on the sidelines for six months, but a repeat issue in September ruled him out till April.
Zaniolo’s experience with the ACL injury has raised question marks over his fitness, especially in the long run, although it does not seem to bother Manchester United. For a fee of just €30 million, the Red Devils believe they could grab a real bargain in the market as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hopes to add more reinforcements in the creative unit.
The Norwegian tactician is already blessed with one of the best players in the Premier League in Bruno Fernandes. However, with Donny van de Beek being tipped to be used as a makeweight in deals to sign top targets this summer, coupled with Juan Mata nearing the final phase of his career, it could pave the way for Zaniolo to make a strong case for being a regular in the first-team at Manchester United.
The Italian international is blessed with a lot of technical prowess and skill that could make him the Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester United. In addition to his qualities, the former Fiorentina youth prodigy also offers a lot of versatility as he can play not only as a playmaker but also as a central midfielder or a wide attacker.
It should open up endless tactical possibilities for the Manchester United manager as he seeks to usher in a new era at Old Trafford next season, especially amid question marks being raised over the future of Paul Pogba once again.
