An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of gem Nicolo Zaniolo in the summer transfer window…
What’s the talk?
According to Corriere Dello Sport, via Sport Witness, the Magpies have been in contact with Roma over a potential deal to sign the midfielder, with Dan Ashworth in talks to see if a move is possible.
The report claims that Newcastle and Tottenham are both able to afford the Italian, which is something AC Milan and Juventus are struggling with, as another outlet has stated that they want €70m (£60m) for him.
However, the English teams now have a job on their hands as they need to convince Zaniolo to leave his home country – where he wants to stay.
Huge Miguel Almiron upgrade
Ashworth and Eddie Howe must work hard to tempt the gem into making the switch to the Premier League as he would come in as a huge upgrade on Miguel Almiron.
The former MLS man has struggled at St. James’ Park since coming over from America. He has scored nine top-flight goals and provided three assists in three-and-a-half seasons, including one goal and zero assists in the 2021/22 campaign.
This is a dreadful return from an attacking player and these statistics suggest that he is a liability to the team as he has not produced anywhere near enough in the final third. He has consistently proven that he does not have the quality to make a big impact in the Premier League and it is now time for Zaniolo to come in to replace him.
For Roma last season, the 22-year-old managed eight goals and nine assists in all competitions after missing the majority of the previous campaign due to injury. In 2019/20, he scored eight goals and assisted three in 33 matches – showing that he proved his ability before and after his knock.
His former coach Cristiano Masitto once described his talent as “ingenious” and his statistics back that up as the youngster has shown great promise with his ability at the top end of the pitch despite his age.
Zaniolo can offer a much greater threat in the final third, both in terms of goals and assists, and he has six years on the Paraguay international, which means that he can continue to grow and improve as he gains more experience.
Therefore, bringing in the Italian would represent a huge upgrade on Almiron and would be a terrific addition to the squad.
AND in other news, PIF plotting NUFC swoop for “superb” £30m “monster”, he’s a big upgrade on Hayden…
