---
title: "Tottenham Hotspur: Zaniolo signing could spell the end for Eriksen"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tottenham-hotspur-zaniolo-signing-could-spell-the-end-for-eriksen/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dylan Terry"
section: "Premier League"
published: "2019-07-19T20:15:05Z"
modified: "2019-07-19T20:15:05Z"
---

# Tottenham Hotspur: Zaniolo signing could spell the end for Eriksen

**Tottenham believe they are well placed to snap up Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo as part of a cash and player deal for Toby Alderweireld ([The Daily Mirror](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/tottenham-confident-landing-roma-star-18325851)).**

The Belgian defender is one of the Serie A side’s [top priorities](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/tottenham-confident-landing-roma-star-18325851) this summer but they cannot afford to trigger his [£25million release clause](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/tottenham-confident-landing-roma-star-18325851).

As a result, Spurs believe Zaniolo could work as part of the deal for the 30-year-old, who has been a part of Mauricio Pochettino’s team [since 2015](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/toby-alderweireld/transfers/spieler/42710).

In a summer of change in north London, the former Ajax and Southampton man would not be the first defender to leave after [Kieran Trippier](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/9527119/spurs-trippier-transfer-20m-atletico/) departed to link up with Atletico Madrid for £20m.

The Lilywhites are also looking to try and sign Giovani Lo Celso from Real Betis for what is being reported as [potentially a club record fee](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tottenham/tottenham-target-giovani-lo-celso-free-leave-betis-close-nabil-fekir-a4192341.html)and the £25m they could receive for Alderweireld alongside Zaniolo may help them raise the funds for the transfer.

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/THE-BREAKDOWN.png)

The 20-year-old is an incredibly high-rated prospect having made his international debut for Italy before even starting a game for Roma.

He is a very [versatile youngster](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/nicolo-zaniolo/leistungsdaten/spieler/392085) as he has played on both flanks, in central midfield, and as a centre forward in what has been a short career to date.

Last season he played 36 times for the Italian side, [contributing six goals and two assists](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/nicolo-zaniolo/leistungsdaten/spieler/392085/plus/0?saison=2018) – although his temperament is something which could be called into question as he also picked up [11 yellow cards](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/nicolo-zaniolo/leistungsdaten/spieler/392085/plus/0?saison=2018).

However, something has to give providing both Lo Celso and Zaniolo move to Spurs, and that something would likely be Christian Eriksen – [who has been linked with a move to both Real Madrid and Atletico](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tottenham/tottenham-target-giovani-lo-celso-free-leave-betis-close-nabil-fekir-a4192341.html).

Although the Italian can be played in a number of different positions, he did occupy an attacking midfield role [19 times in the 2018/19 campaign](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/nicolo-zaniolo/leistungsdaten/spieler/392085/plus/0?saison=2018).

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Verdict.png)

Therefore, it might be unlikely Pochettino would try and incorporate his two new forward-thinking players into a squad which already contains both Eriksen and Dele Alli.

If Tottenham do sign Zaniolo, and Lo Celso follows suit, as a Spurs fan you would not feel confident that your Danish playmaker has much time left at the club.

***Where would Zaniolo fit in at Spurs? Join the discussion by commenting below…***