Real Madrid might launch the offensive to sign 23-year-old Italian international Nicolo Zaniolo, who Carlo Ancelotti admires.
According to a report by Defensa Central, Nicolo Zaniolo is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti is a keen admirer of the 23-year-old Italian international, who might leave AS Roma this year.
Nicolo Zaniolo has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining AS Roma from Inter Milan nearly half a decade ago. The young attacker initially showed why the Nerazzurri had been wrong to discard him. But fitness issues have plagued him in the last few years while curtailing his progress greatly.
The 23-year-old has stayed relatively injury-free thus far in the 2022/23 season, featuring regularly for AS Roma. And Zaniolo has two goals and three assists in 15 outings across all competitions. But the player has entered the final 18 months of his contract, with the situation capturing the attention of Real Madrid.
Real Madrid will likely bolster the offensive unit in the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio. The duo might depart from the Santiago Bernabeu due to different reasons. While Hazard has struggled to no end at Real Madrid, Asensio is in the final six months of his contract.
So Real Madrid will need to invest in an attacker who can replace either player in the summer. At the same time, this player can compete with Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Junior for an attacking berth. Several players, including Marcus Thuram, have thus emerged on Real Madrid’s radar. And Zaniolo is also a viable target.
The Merengues are yet to firm up their interest in the 23-year-old Italian international. But Carlo Ancelotti is a keen admirer and has asked Florentino Perez to launch the offensive for him. However, his recent fitness issues are posing a threat to the player securing a dream move to Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid might face some competition for Zaniolo, with Newcastle United recently showing interest in him. It will be interesting to see if the 23-year-old Italian international becomes a top target for Real Madrid in the summer.
