Tottenham: 'Ingenious' £60m target now 'one to watch' at Hotspur Way | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur target Nicolo Zaniolo is ‘certainly’ a name to keep an eye on over the coming months, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

The highly-rated 22-year-old has been linked with a move to Spurs of late after enjoying a productive campaign under the tutelage of Jose Mourinho at AS Roma.

What is the latest news involving Zaniolo?

Zaniolo has had to deal with more than his fair share of setbacks in his short career having already recovered from two separate ACL injuries, one in each knee.

However, he has continued to defy the odds by continuously rediscovering his best form after fighting his way back to full-fitness and reportedly caught the eye of Tottenham chiefs throughout 2021/22.

Sky Sports Italy journalist Angelo Mangiante has revealed that the north London outfit are ‘interested’ in Zaniolo and that director of football Fabio Paratici has met Roma’s general manager Tiago Pinto for initial talks.

The Guardian then stated that Spurs ‘may offer’ defender Joe Rodon as a makeweight in any potential deal for the Italy international.

Rodon has struggled for game time since arriving in north London two years ago and has made just five appearances under the guidance of Antonio Conte since he replaced Nuno Espirito Santo back in November.

What has Crook said about Zaniolo?

A previous report from Italian outlet La Gezzetta dello Sport claimed Roma were set to demand £60 million for the right-winger.

And although Crook believes Tottenham’s hierarchy are ‘torn’ over what to do with Rodon, he reckons Zaniolo is a player to watch closely as the summer transfer window develops.

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He told GiveMeSport: “I think they’re torn on Joe Rodon because they know that he’s a quality player, but perhaps he’s just not going to get the minutes that he would like, particularly if they do recruit.

“So, I think that is a name that we should certainly keep an eye on.”

Would Zaniolo be a good signing?

Zaniolo’s talent has never been in doubt, with his former coach Cristiano Masitto once describing his ability as “ingenious”.

Last term, the 6 foot 3 ace bagged eight goals and laid on a further nine assists for his grateful teammates in 42 outings as the Giallorossi claimed the maiden Europa Conference League crown.

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As per FBref, Zaniolo also ranked in the 93rd percentile for total shots, 90th for progressive passes received, 83rd for touches in the attacking penalty area, and the 81st for completed dribbles amongst his positional peers over the last 12 months.

The youngster’s persistent fitness troubles will surely be a major concern to Conte and co, though, and they must now decide whether Zaniolo is a risk worth taking.