Tottenham given deadline to snare Nicolo Zaniolo from Roma, as potential for swap deal opens up

Tottenham have reportedly found out just how long they’ve got to sign Roma winger Nicolo Zaniolo, with a separate outlet claiming a swap deal could occur.

Antonio Conte’s squad has already been bolstered by six signings this summer. This includes Richarlison and Ivan Perisic, who can both play in forward areas. But it seems Conte wants more new arrivals up front, to match his lofty ambitions.

There are several reasons why Zaniolo is an attractive signing for Tottenham. One is that he is versatile, with the ability to play almost anywhere in attack.

Zaniolo is 23 years old too, which means he has plenty of time to develop and potentially become a superstar in the Premier League.

Then there is the Italian’s record in attacking areas. He was in good form last season, notching eight goals and nine assists during 42 matches. Only two of those goals came in Serie A, but Zaniolo knows he can improve on this.

On Tuesday, a report revealed just how much Conte wants Zaniolo to join Spurs. It claims he wants to overcome Juventus in the transfer race ‘at all costs’.

There has since been a double update on the wide man’s future. Italian journalist Daniele Miceli claims the north London outfit are the only club willing to meet Roma’s demands.

Jose Mourinho is hopeful Zaniolo will stay at the Stadio Olimpico. But Roma chiefs will nonetheless accept offers worth £41.9m (€50m) this summer.

Spurs have big Nicolo Zaniolo opportunity

With Juve seemingly out of the running, Spurs are in a great position to capture Zaniolo and give him his first taste of the Premier League.

Miceli also told Conte and Fabio Paratici how long they have to complete the move. The reporter states Roma will begin contract renewal talks with Zaniolo in September, which means Spurs need to launch their raid before then.

Calciomercatoweb, meanwhile, suggest Spurs could make the transfer cheaper by offering one of their players to Roma in return.

Giovani Lo Celso is liked by the Italian club and could therefore be sent to them as part of a player-plus-cash deal.

With Lo Celso valued at around €20m, this could bring the cost for Zaniolo down to £25.1m (€30m).

Juve are keeping tabs on the Argentine’s situation, just to add more complication to the rumours.

Spurs interested in Nicolo Zaniolo

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

The sensible solution would be for Spurs to offer £25.1m and Lo Celso for Zaniolo. This would be a clever switch as Lo Celso has no future under Conte, whereas Zaniolo would.

The nine-cap international would be a good signing for Conte and Spurs. But there are questions over how Zaniolo might get into the starting eleven.

Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison are already competing for spots in the front three. Add Lucas Moura to that list, and Zaniolo will have a huge fight on his hands to feature in the biggest of matches.

A transfer will probably depend on how much ambition Nicolo Zaniolo has got. If he believes he can get into the team ahead of Richarlison and Kulusevski – as Kane and Son are certain starters – then the move could reach completion.

But if he wants to go safe and continue to play regularly for Roma, then Spurs will move onto other targets.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are now willing to accept a lower fee for Memphis Depay in a bid to get Spurs’ attention.