Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy - September 15, 2022. AS Roma's Nicolo Zaniolo during the warm up.
Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has made an interesting Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Roma forward Nicolo Zaniolo.
The Lowdown: Spurs sign Danjuma…
Spurs made a late hijack attempt to sign Villarreal attacker Arnaut Danjuma earlier this week despite the player even previously having a medical with Everton.
The surprise January transfer shows just how things can turn until any target officially puts pen to paper, and with the Dutchman’s arrival, links to Zaniolo have understandably cooled somewhat.
Spurs are also trying to complete a deal for Sporting Lisbon wing-back Pedro Porro after their Danjuma move with it being no surprise we have heard little of Zaniolo lately.
The Italian has been repeatedly linked with a move to north London and the Premier League this month, but according to Sky and reporter Sheth, the interest is still there.
The Latest: Sheth makes Zaniolo claim…
Speaking on The Transfer Show, the journalist claims Zaniolo is a player still attracting Spurs interest amid Bournemouth’s new-found intrigue.
He explained (via the Sky transfer blog, 17:29):
“Bournemouth are showing a bit of ambition in this window. The subject of Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo – who also has Spurs interest – has came up. They like the player, but Bournemouth think he would ideally like to move to a club where European football is an option. Bournemouth would match what Roma would want in a sale – that’s around £26.5m. “
The Verdict: Make the move?
Despite the signing of Danjuma, Jose Mourinho’s attacker could still come into Antonio Conte’s squad and provide an injection of real quality and versatility.
He is able to play across the attacking midfield line, as a playmaker and even further forward – potentially coming as an heir to former star Christian Eriksen which the club have arguably yearned for.
Whilst arguably not at his best in a Roma shirt this season, Zaniolo has proved that he can be a devastating attacking threat when at his very best.
Over the 2021/2022 season, he averaged their highest rate of completed take-ons per 90 in Serie A whilst also drawing the most fouls – highlighting what a tricky player he can be on his day (WhoScored).
Despite his recent slump in form, members of the media have still drawn attention to his ‘tremendous talent’ and ‘amazing ability’.
For £26.5 million, the deal would also be an attainable one from a Spurs and Daniel Levy perspective.
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