Tottenham Hotspur still hold an interest in signing Roma forward Nicolo Zaniolo, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Lowdown: Zaniolo available
Zaniolo has been one of the most prominent names throughout the second half of this transfer window since Calciomercato reported that the 23-year-old had asked to leave Roma.
The article reported that fans began to vent their anger at the former Inter Milan youngster after his demands over a new contract started disgruntlement.
Tottenham were one of the first names to be linked with Zaniolo in the article amongst other Premier League sides and it seems the Lilywhites haven’t given up the chase just yet.
The Latest: Romano update
Romano revealed on his YouTube channel that the Italian is determined to seek a move and still has suitors monitoring him in North London, he said:
(3:45) “Let’s see how they (Tottenham) will continue on the market, they still have some rumours on Zaniolo but the only official bid was from Bournemouth.
“Bournemouth offered €30m (£26.3m) plus add-ons, Roma said yes so there was an agreement for Zaniolo to Bournemouth but the player rejected the proposal on Friday.”
“Milan want the player and Zaniolo wants Milan but Milan are just offering the loan with buy option for €22m-€25m (£19.3m-£22m), this is not enough to convince Roma.
“So let’s see what happens with Zaniolo because he’s on the market and could be a big opportunity for the final few days of the transfer window.”
The Verdict: One to keep an eye on
With Zaniolo adamant about a switch and him being removed from Jose Mourinho’s squad in recent weeks after previously playing 17 times this season, he could be a bargain for Tottenham but a deal looks unlikely after Arnaut Danjuma’s arrival.
Antonio Conte prefers to play a 3-4-3 and with Zaniolo only deployed as a centre midfielder twice from 128 games at Roma, he would be unable to slot in as a creative option in the engine room immediately given his little experience playing that role.
Ultimately, he would likely play as part of the front three and with Harry Kane and Son Heung-min undroppable at Spurs given their irreplaceable position leading the line together over the years, it would leave Zaniolo to fight it out amongst Dejan Kulusevski, Richarlison and now Danjuma for that final spot up front.
He would also prove an injury risk with him once dubbed “absolutely incredible” by Roma journalist John Solano when breaking his way into the side, Zaniolo has since suffered two cruciate ligament ruptures since 2020, stunting that potential.