Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly emerged as the front-runners to sign Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo in the summer.
Tottenham have been linked to Zaniolo for several years now and it seems that they are one step closer to getting a deal over the line.
According to Correire della Sera, as relayed by Ricky Sacks, Spurs are favourites to sign the wonderkid this summer. The Lilwyhites have found themselves in the lead alongside Juventus and Inter Milan.
As is often the case with Spurs, though, there is an added catch, as Zaniolo wants to stay in Serie A for another season, but he risks being frozen out by Paulo Fonseca.
Roma face financial pressure to sell key players as the Giallorossi fear they could lose him cheaply in the transfer window.
The 21-year-old left Inter for the Stadio Olimpico for £4m in 2018 and it is fair to say that he hasn’t looked back ever since. He has played 22 games in Serie A this season, scoring five goals, supplying one assist, taking 1.7 shots, averaging one key pass and completing 1.9 dribbles per game on average so far (via WhoScored).
The versatile player, who has been compared to Steven Gerard, has established himself as one of Europe’s hottest prospects and Roma are confident that he can become Francesco Totti’s heir.
However, the Giallorossi are holding out for their £5om valuation, while the youngster doesn’t want to leave despite his public falling out with Fonseca (as per Correire della Sera).
Spurs struggled to score goals when Harry Kane succumbed to a hamstring injury and they have failed to fill the void left by Christian Eriksen. Jose Mourinho has used Giovani Lo Celso and Harry Winks in tandem to great effect in recent weeks, but he still wants to sign a new playmaker.
As it stands, Roma have not received a suitable offer, as they are aware that it could anger a large number of supporters if they let Zaniolo leave.
If the Lilywhites delay any longer, they may miss out on the attacking midfielder in the summer, as he may join one of their close rivals instead. Therefore, if they truly want him, they need to move quickly.
Tottenham fans, do you think Daniel Levy should sign Zaniolo? Let us know down below!