Tottenham Hotspur appointing Fabio Paratici as their Director of Football has opened several avenues for the club to sign players from the transfer market in Italy using the Italian’s contacts with agents and intermediaries having spent 11 years in the Serie A with Juventus.
It could be another Paratici masterclass as Il Messagero, an Italian news outlet, report that Spurs are looking to sign AS Roma forward Nicolo Zaniolo on an initial loan with an obligation to buy. The English club already have Christian Romero and Dejan Kulusevski at the club who were both signed on a similar deal from Italian clubs Atalanta and Juventus respectively. Antonio Conte admires the 22-year-old and sees him as an ideal Steven Bergwijn replacement and provides competition to the attackers at the club.
According to the report, Tottenham Hotspur have already made contact with AS Roma to discuss the transfer with the English club only looking for a loan plus the obligation to buy. Let’s analyze how the signing of Zaniolo would be a great addition to Conte’s squad for next season.
Why are Tottenham interested in signing Nicolo Zaniolo?
Zaniolo was very impressive last season under Jose Mourinho with 8 goals and 9 assists in 42 appearances for Roma. Coming on the back of a long-term ACL injury, the Italian found his groove and was instrumental in his club’s Conference League triumph.
Spurs are looking to revamp their forward options for next season with the Kulusevski already signed on a permanent deal from Juventus. Lucas Moura and Steven Bergwijn could be departing the North London club this summer with the duo frustrated with their lack of gametime. Zaniolo’s arrival and the rumoured signing of Richarlison could be the two replacements for Moura and Bergwijn.
Stern competition from Juventus
The North London club isn’t the only club interested in acquiring the Italian winger with Juventus also in the fray to sign the player. Massimiliano Allegri has identified Zaniolo as Di Maria’s replacement and the Old Lady have already held discussions with AS Roma over a move. According to GOAL, Roma value Zaniolo at 50 million euros and would not entertain any offer below that price tag. The Bianconeri could use Arthur Melo as part of a deal to reduce the price tag and get their man.
Author’s Verdict
If Spurs can beat Juventus in the race to sign Zaniolo, it could be a really good signing for the Lilywhites. Antonio Conte would be getting a very versatile player who can play anywhere in a front three and can also play as a no.10. A loan deal with an obligation to buy has worked wonders for Spurs and could be another great transfer tactic to use with AS Roma to negotiate. There’s plenty to look forward to for the Spurs’ faithful who will have no room to complain if Conte can get Bissouma, Perisic, Forster, Richarlison and Zaniolo all in one transfer window.
