Soccer Football - International Friendly - Albania v Italy - Air Albania Stadium, Tirana, Albania - November 16, 2022 Italy's Nicolo Zaniolo in action with Albania's Adrian Ismajli REUTERS/Florion Goga
Tottenham Hotspur ‘want to sign’ Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo on loan before January 31, according to broadcast giant Sky Sports.
The Lowdown: Spurs linked with Zaniolo…
Spurs have been repeatedly linked with a move for the 11-cap Italy international this month as Antonio Conte attempts to upgrade his squad for the second half of the 2022/23 campaign.
The north Londoners are chasing Champions League qualification for the second successive season and stand a more than realistic chance of sealing a top-four Premier League finish.
After signing Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma on loan, Spurs are also believed to be attempting a deal for Sporting Lisbon wing-back Pedro Porro.
The Latest: Tottenham eye Zaniolo loan move…
According to Sky Sports, expanding on their recent report that Spurs are still interested in Zaniolo, they claim that the type of move Tottenham are seeking is a loan.
The broadcaster claims that the north Londoners ‘want to sign’ the 6 foot 3 attacker on a temporary deal but face competition from Serie A champions AC Milan, who are chasing a permanent move.
This comes after Zaniolo rejected attempts from Bournemouth to tempt him away from the Stadio Olimpico.
 The Verdict: Get it done…
Having both Danjuma and Zaniolo in on loan deals would seriously strengthen Conte’s squad as they try to cement a place in Europe’s biggest club competition next season.
While Zaniolo isn’t exactly having the best season at Roma right now, he was a key player last term, averaging more successful take-ons and attracting more fouls per 90 than anyone in their squad in 2021/22 (WhoScored).
The 23-year-old has also been called a ‘Conte sort of player’ by members of the Sky Sports panel, and he is one who could potentially fill the creative void left by former Tottenham star Christian Eriksen in 2020.
Once likened to Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, the midfielder’s versatility is a real bonus, with Zaniolo able to play in attacking midfield and further forward as a striker (WhoScored).
Lauded as having ‘tremendous talent’ and ‘amazing ability‘ by members of the press, we wouldn’t be surprised to see him come through the doors in N17.
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