Arsenal eye a cut-price summer move for Nicolo Zaniolo as Roma has made no progress regarding a contract extension.
According to Radio Radio, Arsenal lurks in the background and plots a cut-price move for Nicolo Zaniolo in the summer. The Roma man has seen talks over a new contract reach an impasse, casting doubts over his long-term future at the club.
Nicolo Zaniolo is one of those players already pencilled in to have a great career ahead. His performances for Roma at 23 have shown enough maturity to indicate he could play for an even bigger club. Talk about a move away from the team had emerged back in the summer, but nothing materialised.
Part of why he remained in Rome was because of the club’s concerted efforts to try and find an agreement to extend his deal. However, it’s been many months since the club and player spoke about a possible new contract, as speculation regarding his future re-emerged.
Apart from Italian sides AC Milan and Juventus, many English clubs are also looking at taking Zaniolo off Roma’s hands. The 23-year-old Serie A midfielder’s current deal expires in 2024, opening the door for teams to make a relatively small offer in the summer.
While January may represent the best time to get a value close to Roma’s €50 million asking price, any potential deal might have to wait until the summer. That’s when Arsenal could make a reported offer worth €25 million to test the Serie A club’s resolve.
The mentioned price is half what Roma values the player in the current market. During the summer, Tottenham had reportedly chased the player, but now even Arsenal are keeping tabs on his situation. Mikel Arteta remains keen to bring the best talent from around who fits the right age profile and stylistic requirements.
The Gunners have become an attractive destination for top players after their recent surge in reputation. They currently lead the Premier League standings and have shown promising signs in the future. Hence, Arteta and Edu Gaspar could convince the 23-year-old Serie A midfielder about the project.
Arsenal have Martin Odegaard and Fabio Vieira in the attacking midfield position. Zaniolo represents a good signing for his age. Moreover, there could be enough room in the team next season as Arteta looks to bring more quality reinforcements to improve the team’s overall depth for the long term.
