AS Roma attacking midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo has emerged as a target for Arsenal, it has been claimed.
Arsenal are desperate to bring midfield reinforcements this summer, and Zaniolo has been earmarked as a potential target, though the Gunners will have to compete with Spurs and Juventus, as per Gazzetta Dello Sport cited by CalcioMercato.
Zaniolo is in no rush to leave Roma, which suggests that the parties interested to secure his services might have to offer him a big increase in pay, and also tempt the Italian’s side resolve with a juicy bid.
Winger Gabriel Martinelli has been Arsenal’s only summer signing so far, and considering that they do need an attacking midfielder, going after Zaniolo makes a lot of sense.
Why Nicolo Zaniolo is worth the fuss
Zaniolo is one of the hottest properties in the game at the moment, and has an incredible season with Roma, though the club flattered to deceive and finished a disappointing sixth.
Versatility is one of his strongest suits. Although he prefers to play as a no.10, he has the calibre to ply his trade as a winger, central midfielder or even as a centre-forward.
The 20-year-old’s technique is exemplary and he can create goal-scoring openings thanks to his vision and ability to pick a pass.
Zaniolo managed 1.5 dribbles per game in the Serie A, a number likely to increase in the Premier League which isn’t as tactical as the Italian top-flight.
Managing 27 Serie A appearances for a 20-year old isn’t bad, and Zaniolo also scored four times in the process last season.
Areas where Zaniolo can improve
By no means is Zaniolo a finished product. He lacks an imposing physique, something understandable as he is still only 20. He will need to improve on the physical aspect of the game as he isn’t good at holding the ball in the attacking third.
Teams in the Premier League will punish you if you aren’t well cut-out in aerial duels, and that’s another area where Zaniolo will have to slowly improve his game.
How much will Zaniolo cost?
Arsenal are operating on a tight budget in the on-going transfer window and it has been reported that they have merely £45 million to invest (apart from player sales).
Corriere dello Sport have stated that signing Zaniolo could cost around €45 million, and he alone could eat up Unai Emery’s entire transfer kitty.
So it’s clear that Emery has to make funds by selling a few players. Seeing the potential Zaniolo has, it would be criminal if the Gunners don’t go after him.