Nottingham Forest, West Ham, Tottenham and Newcastle have all been linked with a move for Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo, according to Get Italian Football News. The Reds are currently trying to strengthen their squad with a couple of quality additions this month.
Zaniolo is facing a bit of a crisis at Roma. He was recently booed by his own supporters during a Coppa Italia clash with Genoa; forcing Jose Mourinho to publicly jump to the defence of his player.
The Italian performer has got the hump after his own fans made their feelings towards him clear. Now, Forest have joined West Ham, Tottenham and Newcastle in the race to sign him.
Zaniolo is valued at around £27 million and Roma are facing a difficult situation. The player is out of contract next year and now could be the time to cash in to get the very best fee for him.
Zaniolo has been with Roma since 2018 when he checked in from Inter. Before this season, he’s largely been considered a fan favourite, making 128 appearances for the club.
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This season has been a bit of a struggle for him. He’s played 17 times, scoring three goals and claiming two assists, with Roma enjoying a steady campaign in Serie A.
Forest linked with Zaniolo but it looks like a deal too far
The 11-cap Italian typically operates through the middle as a number 10. He can play in central midfield and has occasionally featured as a centre-forward under Mourinho.
At £27 million though, this feels like a deal that perhaps Forest can’t do right now. They spent £150 million roughly during the summer and are about to pay £20 million to sign Danilo from Palmeiras.
Zaniolo is only 23-years-old and when he was a teenager he received praise from Roma legend Daniele De Rossi. He called the player ‘incredible’ and a ‘very good player’ when he was first making his way at the club.
Rumour rating: 6/10 – This one is an exciting one but right now is looks unobtainable for Forest. If Evangelos Marinakis does have some cash spare, however, perhaps it’s one that would be most welcomed.