Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League • England

Nicolo Zaniolo: Antonio Conte fixated on deal as transfer desperation is revealed and with Tottenham favourite likely to be sacrificed

Nicolo Zaniolo of AS Roma during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AS Roma on may 20, 2002 at Olympic Grande Torino Stadium

Antonio Conte wants Tottenham to go all out to sign Nicolo Zaniolo this summer with a report outlining just how desperately the Italian wants to bring the Roma star to north London.

The Spurs boss has invested heavily this summer. Having secured a top-four finish – perhaps against the odds – last season, work has been done to further strengthen their pool. To that end, director Fabio Paratici has overseen six new arrivals.

Indeed, the captures of Richarlison, Yves Bissouma, Clement Lenglet, Fraser Forster, Djed Spece and Ivan Persic strengthen Spurs across the park.

Plans now at Tottenham will evolve around the trimming of the club’s deadwood. With Jack Clarke, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Steven Bergwijn sealing permanent moves away, Conte still wants more players gone.

To that end, the club will look to find solutions over Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso and Bryan Gil. Galatasaray are the latest side to be linked with a move for one-time club-record signing Ndombele.

But there may yet be room for one more major in at Tottenham before the summer window shuts.

As such, Tottenham’s interest in Roma star Zaniolo has been well documented.

Striking a deal, though, with Roma appears far from easy. The versatile star, who can operate in midfield, or in a more advanced position, is the prized asset in their ranks. And one Tottenham swap proposal, involving Joe Rodon, has reportedly already been knocked back.

However, after signing Paulo Dybala, there is a feeling that Roma may cash in.

Jose Mourinho’s side are still looking for further additions and Zaniolo could be sacrificed if the price is right.

Nicolo Zaniolo price tag emerges

As per reports, Roma are seeking a fee of around £42.4m (€50m) for Nicolo Zaniolo.

And that is a fee that may yet be within Tottenham’s reach.

According to Calciomercatoweb, Conte  ‘intends, at all costs, to overcome the competition of his former club’ Juventus to his signing. The Spurs boss is seeming totally fixated on his signing and is desperate to see him sign for Spurs before the window shuts.

And if Conte has his way, if Tottenham do manage another major piece of business before the window closes, it will be for Zaniolo.

The report claims Tottenham could help finance the deal and give themselves a stronger chance of signing Zaniolo ine one fell swoop. By they may need to offload a Tottenham favourite in Lucas Moura in the process.

Nicolo Zaniolo as a substitute for Roma

Indeed, CMW claims the Brazilian is emerging as a target for Juventus were they to miss out on Zaniolo.

He is hugely popular among the Spurs faithful, but his position already looks in some doubt following their recent signings. Indeed, Dejan Kulusevski already pushed him down the order, while Richarlison’s arrival also adds to the competition.

The capture of Zaniolo would surely spell curtains for the the 29-year-old. And with his deal expiring in summer 2023, Moura has opened the door to a possible move away from north London.

Zaniolo would be just the ticket for Conte

It’s easy to see why Conte is so keen to bring Zaniolo to Tottenham.

The 23-year-old is rated as one of Serie A’s brightest young stars, scoring twice and adding two more assists last season.

While those numbers aren’t great, the player was used in a deeper position for large periods last season.

His record overall for Roma reads 22 goals and eight assists in 111 appearances. That ranks as a goal contribution every 3.7 games. His versaility, though, could also prove crucial to Spurs, with the player covering a number of positions.

Spurs interested in Nicolo Zaniolo

Spurs interested in Nicolo Zaniolo

Spurs are interested in a move for Roma forward Nicolo Zaniolo.

The one weakness is perhaps his injury record, though you could argue that is reflected in his asking price.

Plus, if Conte is so desperate to sign a player, you know he’s likely to be a good one.

Another Serie A star linked with Spurs again is Milan Skriniar. Now Alessandro Bastoni – himself a former Tottenham target – has pleaded with his Inter teammate amid heightening rumours of his sale.