Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly submitted a loan bid with an obligation to buy to sign AS Roma attacking midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo if certain parameters are met.
According to transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, AS Roma are willing to sell Nicolo Zaniolo in the January transfer window for the right price and are open to offers for the 23-year-old Italian playmaker. Tottenham are serious suitors, presenting an offer for a loan with an obligation to buy if certain criteria are met.
Zaniolo joined AS Roma from Inter Milan in 2018 and has made 128 appearances for the club in the four and a half years since, recording 24 goals and 18 assists in the process. His tenure in the Italian capital has been plagued by injuries, with the 23-year-old suffering two ACL tears in the space of about 12 months.
The Italian international has continued to have rotten luck with injuries this season, missing over three weeks of action due to a dislocated shoulder. He enjoyed his most productive campaign last season, chipping in with eight goals and nine assists in 42 games across all competitions. But he has suffered a sharp dip in form this season and was even booed by the club’s supporters during their Coppa Italia clash with Genoa.
His current contract expires in 2024, and the talks over an extension have stalled in recent weeks, with the playmaker’s agent now looking to secure a move away from the Italian capital for his client before the window slams shut.
Despite his poor form this season, Zaniolo remains a coveted prospect in European football, with Newcastle United, Arsenal, and Juventus all linked with him in the recent past. But Spurs appear to be leading the race for the Italian international.
It is no secret that Tottenham will have to bring in more creativity and flair in their midfield. And Zaniolo could prove to be an excellent long-term acquisition to solve the issue. The 23-year-old has the potential to develop into a top-class player in the future and can operate as a number ten. And he has the versatility to slot into wide roles as well.
Tottenham were heavily linked with a move for Zaniolo over the summer. But their former boss Jose Mourinho intervened and convinced the 23-year-old to stay in Rome. The situation is different now, and the Italian international could be on the move this January itself.
Tottenham manager Antonio Conte will know everything about the player, having watched him closely during his time in Serie A, and could help him develop further and unlock his tremendous potential.
As things stand, while Tottenham have proposed a loan deal with an obligation to buy as long as certain terms are met, this offer is likely to be knocked back by the Italian outfit, who have slapped a €40 million price tag on their prized midfielder’s proverbial head and won’t entertain any offers below the €35 million mark.
Tottenham have also been linked with Leandro Trossard. But the Belgian international appears to be on his way to Arsenal from Brighton & Hove Albion. Zaniolo looks to be the best available alternative and is on Tottenham’s radar. Ao it will be interesting to see whether Antonio Conte’s side returns to the negotiating table with a more significant offer.
