As per Calciomercato, sharing a post-January transfer update, Tottenham Hotspur chief Fabio Paratici is firmly in the running to sign Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo.
The Lowdown: Lacklustre January…
After being linked to many big names, Tottenham’s winter transfer window ended in somewhat lacklustre style with just two fresh faces in Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur, both signed on deadline day from Paratici’s former club Juventus.
It is believed by reliable sources such as journalist Matt Law of The Telagraph that Antonio Conte has been left somewhat disappointed by this return, as he requested three new January signings.
The Lilywhites missed out on both Adama Traore and Luis Diaz, with those moves eventually hijacked, but it appears that Paratici hasn’t quit on landing another one of his targets ahead of the summer window.
The Latest: Paratici refuses to quit on Zaniolo…
As per Calciomercato, writing in their headline, Spurs’ managing director has ‘never given up’ on signing the Italian playmaker amid his contract stand-off at the Stadio Olimpico.
It is believed that this impasse over fresh terms between Zaniolo and Roma could keep ‘many market opportunities open’. with Tottenham and Paratici mentioned alongside Juventus. The Spurs transfer guru has apparently ‘not stopped’ tracking the 22-year-old in recent months.
The Verdict: Ideal target…
Valued at around £29.7m by Transfermarkt, Zaniolo would be a brilliant signing for Conte in the playmaker role, and potentially a long-awaited heir to former club favourite Christian Eriksen in that position.
Described as ‘exceptional’ by Italian football expert Mina Rzouki (BBC), he has also drawn comparisons with England legends Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, which is quite lofty praise.
The 6 foot 3 attacker also has a real physicality to succeed in the Premier League, with the only possible drawback being his concerning injury history. Zaniolo missed the entirety of 2020/21 after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament, and since returning from that serious injury, he has been sidelined for seven games this term with various problems (Transfermarkt).
If the attacker can play regularly without complication until the end of this season, we believe that Spurs should certainly swoop in the summer.
In other news: Major boost for Conte: Sky Sports reporter breaks news out of Tottenham….find out more here.
