Boost for Newcastle, Arsenal and Tottenham as Roma ‘list’ key target on the transfer market

Harry Watkinson
Tottenham target Nicolo Zaniolo is hugged by Jose Mourinho

Roma have put Nicolo Zaniolo on the transfer market after the two parties failed to come to an agreement over a new contract, according to reports.

This will come as a big boost to Arsenal, Spurs and Newcastle, who have all registered an interest in the attacker this month.

With the Italian’s current deal set to expire in the summer, the Giallorossi will be keen to sell him as soon as possible to recoup transfer funds for their own business.

This is according to Gazzetta Dello Sportwho broke the news regarding the breakdown of Zaniolo’s contract negotiations.

It has also been revealed that Newcastle are ready to invest a ‘significant amount’ in signing the 23-year-old and now it looks like a deal has a decent chance of happening.

Also, Arsenal are allegedly already in talks over a potential January move for Zaniolo, who could play a key role in the Gunners’ push for their first league title since 2004.

Roma are looking for a £35m fee for the player, so any potential suitor will have to put their money where their mouth is to get a deal over the line.

Zaniolo has been an ever-present figure in Roma’s team since joining from Inter Milan in 2018 and has featured heavily this season since recovering from a shoulder injury in September.

Overall, in 128 appearances for the Italian club, Zaniolo has scored 24 goals, as well as contributing 18 assists, playing a key role in Jose Mourinho’s team’s recent success.

Zaniolo is a versatile player, with the ability to play as a winger, an attacking midfielder or as a second striker, so he could provide cover in a number of positions for Eddie Howe and Mikel Arteta.

However, Zaniolo’s recent form has not been brilliant of late, with speculation that the ongoing rift behind the scenes is a big factor.

The Magpies’ only issue may be that they can’t guarantee European football to the Italian, despite currently sitting in fourth-place in the league table.

But, Newcastle and Arsenal are not the only Premier League sides vying for his signature.

According to Sky SportsTottenham Hotspur have already made a loan-to-buy bid for Zaniolo, which was turned down, but they may yet try to improve their offer.

West Ham United, Nottingham Forest and Leeds are also interested in signing the attacker this month, but given that they will not be competing in Europe any time soon, it seems unlikely Zaniolo would choose them.

For Arsenal, signing a new midfielder is becoming increasingly important.

Mohamed Elneny looks likely to be leaving the club at the end of the season, while Thomas Partey has struggled with injuries at times despite being at the peak of his powers at present.

Newcastle’s midfielders, on the other hand, have also been in good form recently with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff playing extremely well.

However, Howe is keen to bolster his squad with quality players this January to solidify the Magpies’ spot in the top four and Zaniolo certainly meets the criteria.

Finally, Tottenham have had to rely on the likes of Oliver Skipp and Pape Matar Sarr in the middle of the park this season, who are excellent prospects, but not yet the finished product. With that in mind, signing Zaniolo could prove to be a fantastic addition for Conte.

It looks likely that this is a transfer story that could go down to the wire, so it will be interesting to see which of the Premier League trio come out on top for the Roma star.

READ MORE: Senior Newcastle striker ‘really close’ to joining Nottingham Forest on loan this January