As per the latest reports coming from Italy, Arsenal and Tottenham are going head to head in the race for the signature of Roma attacker Nicolo Zaniolo.
La Gazzetta dello Sport(via Calcio Mercato) reports that apart from the two London clubs, Juventus are also in the hunt for the player.
The price that is being quoted by Roma is in the region of £40m [€45m] and the Emirates club are willing to pay that amount to beat their rivals.
Zaniolo joined the capital side from Inter Milan last summer and went on to have a real breakout season as his performances were very impressive. The player scored 6 goals and contributed 2 assists but it was his manner of playing that was the most notable aspect of the youngster’s playing time.
Tottenham were interested in bringing the attacker to North London and Corriere dello Sport reported last week that Spurs had tabled an opening offer worth £20m in cash plus Toby Alderweireldin exchange for the midfielder.
However, they now face some serious competition from their bitter rivals. The one factor that could complicate a deal is the fact that Zaniolo does not really want to leave the Italian capital and move to the English capital.
If a move was to happen, there is only way it is going to take shape and that would be as a result of the attacker getting a big pay raise from any of the London clubs that are after him. There is a suggestion that the Gunners might be looking at Zaniolo as a replacement for Aaron Ramsey who left the club to join Juventus on a free. The departing Welshman has left a huge void in the club and it is necessary to fill it as soon as possible.
Zaniolo has quickly become one of the most highly-rated youngsters in the world and bringing him to the Emirates would be a real statement of intent. And the fact that the Gunners would beat their arch rivals to the signature of a player would make the deal even sweeter.
Arsenal might find it a little difficult to generate the funds needed for Roma to agree to a deal but it is surely going to be an investment that will be worth the price that they pay. Whatever the case may be, Arsenal need to move quickly to secure a deal.
