Tottenham Hotspur head coach Antonio Conte has been left excited by Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo and wants him to join, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Spurs prepare...
Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici has been fully preparing for Conte's first full Premier League season in charge at Hotspur Way, completing seven major signings for the club.
Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet, Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie have all put pen to paper at N17 with the latter man going back out on loan to Udinese.
The Lilywhites have also started this campaign in fine fashion with a 2-2 draw away to London rival Chelsea and an opening day 4-1 demolition at the expense of Southampton.
The Latest: Conte eyeing Zaniolo...
According to journalist Xavier Jacobelli, speaking on Radio Radio, Conte is personally eager to sign Zaniolo, with the reporter also sharing Tottenham's chances.
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He explained, via Tutto Juve, that while the Italian is keen to acquire Roma's 6 foot 3 gem, Spurs are yet to make an official move despite having 'so much money'.
Jacobelli said:
"Zaniolo depends on Tottenham. Since when and how the English club wants to move. They have so much money. Conte wants Zaniolo at Tottenham, he values him very much. "
The Verdict: Make the move?
The Serie A side reportedly value Zaniolo at around £50 million but the player's age and quality could make this price tag a justifiable one.
According to WhoScored, no attacking player in Jose Mourinho's team finished 2021/2022 with a higher rate of completed take-ons per 90 or attracted fouls.
The numbers point to a very tricky player in the final third, and at just 23-years-old, he's also one for the future.
Called a 'beast' by members of the Italian media, Zaniolo would be the cherry on top of a productive transfer window for Spurs, and they could further be boosted by reliable claims that the player himself is 'open' to joining (Ben Jacobs, CBS journalist).