According to Fabrizio Romano, AS Roma manager Paulo Fonseca has denied reports that talks have begun with Tottenham Hotspur for the transfer of midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo. The Roma boss has stated that the Italian remains a “part of the project” in the Giallorossi’s front line.
AS Roma Deny Talks With Tottenham Hotspur Over Transfer for Nicolo Zaniolo
Talks Yet to be Held
As the opening of the summer transfer window quickly approaches, player interest is beginning to intensify. Tottenham’s quest for attacking depth has taken them into virtually every corner of the world. On this occasion they have landed in Italy, with interest forming over Roma forward Nicolo Zaniolo.
Reports claim Spurs are ready to launch a €50 million bid to land the midfielder. However, these claims appear to have been rubbished by Roma manager Paulo Fonseca. Fabrizio Romano reports Roma have not made any contact with the Premier League side over a transfer. Fonseca has also made his intentions over Zaniolo clear, insisting he is part of his side’s future endeavours.
“We do not want to sell Zaniolo. [He is] important for the future of Roma”, Fonseca told Sky Sports Italy following his side’s 6-1 thrashing of rock-bottom SPAL.
Where Would Zaniolo Fit in the Tottenham Side?
During what has been a turbulent season for Jose Mourinho’s men, Tottenham have found it difficult at times going forward. Where the players will still be buying into Mourinho’s philosophy, the attack has taken a hit at points. Harry Kane has found himself extremely isolated at points; and the void left by January-departed Christian Eriksen has been attempted to be filled collectively. And while recent performances have been showing signs of improvement going forward, the addition of Zaniolo could be an interesting prospect.
Zaniolo, 21, has begun to establish himself as a star with Roma. An attack-first mentality, the Italian can bring goals from the midfield; an area Spurs have sorely missed since Eriksen’s transfer to Inter Milan. With six goals and an assist in 15 Serie A starts this season, Zaniolo is already demonstrating an attacking output at a still-raw stage in his career.
Predominantly used on the right side of an attacking three behind the striker, Zaniolo can cut back inside to whip in crosses or shots into the box for others to latch onto. In terms of Spurs wingers, Son Heung-min remains a versatile option on the opposite flank; but has demonstrated his ability to play along, and ahead of Kane. Zaniolo would likely be challenging the efforts of January signing Steven Bergwijn, Lucas Moura, and current impact player Erik Lamela.
With the congestion of wingers on the right flank evident to see, the question arises as to whether Spurs may bring in Zaniolo for central use. Re-implementing a central source of goals would alter Spurs’ current style to be more versatile and upredictable. At just 21, Zaniolo has the tools going forward, with plenty of development in line at the top level.
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