Tottenham Hotspur chief Fabio Paratici has been given a green light in the race to seal Nicolo Zaniolo’s signature this summer transfer window…
What’s the word?
According to journalist Daniele Micele for Sport Mediaset (via Sport Witness), the north London outfit are the only team capable of paying AS Roma’s asking price, with Serie A rivals Juventus struggling to meet their demands.
That effectively rules the Bianconeri out of the running as Jose Mourinho’s side are wanting around €50m (£42m) to let him go.
Spurs now appear to be alone in their pursuit of the Italy international, so the former Juve chief is now free to get one up on his old club as we approach the final four weeks of the window.
Should Spurs splash out on Zaniolo?
Zaniolo green light
The Lilywhites have conducted some impressive business so far, bolstering Antonio Conte’s playing squad right across the pitch with six additions.
There’s been wide reinforcements in the form of Ivan Perisic and Djed Spence, a back-up to Heung-min Son and Harry Kane in Richarlison and a new left-footed centre-back in Clement Lenglet, among others.
Attention could now turn to finding that creative presence and Zaniolo fits the bill.
Last season, the 23-year-old dynamo provided eight goals and nine assists across 42 appearances in all competitions last season, including a hat-trick in the Europa Conference League quarter-finals, as per Transfermarkt.
Zaniolo is capable of providing goals and assists from the engine room, having been likened to two of the best to ever do it in the Premier League in Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard.
“He has the characteristics to become a modern mezzala. He’s a [Steven] Gerrard, [Frank] Lampard-type player,” claimed Stefano Vecchi (via GOAL).
Also lauded as “explosive” and “exceptional” by Roma legend Francesco Totti and Italian football expert Mina Rzouki, the Italian sensation ranked inside the top 3% for through balls (0.32 per 90), the top 8% for successful dribbles that led to a shot (0.50 per 90) and the top 18% for carries into the final third in the Serie A last season, via FBref.
This goes to show his ability and desire to get on the ball and make something happen in the final third, something that Conte may well be lacking from his current central midfield options.
As such, with the door now open for Spurs to make their move, it would make sense for Paratici to seal a stunning seventh signing in the form of Zaniolo. It’s only them in the race now, as per the report from Italy.
AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops big Harry Kane update…
