According to Gazetta Dello Sport: Newcastle United are pushing for a deal to sign Roma midfielder, Nicolo Zaniolo. The 22-year-old has been with Roma since 2018 after previously playing for Inter Milan at youth level.
Zaniolo played 36 games for the I Giallorossi in the 2018/19 season. However, his progress was hampered in 2020 after he suffered two separate anterior cruciate ligament injuries in January and September.
"Nicolò is attending a center in Pontremoli, where he had already enjoyed himself, alternating rest and specific exercises. Future: at the moment Roma has not called him for the renewal and offers from Juve, Milan and Newcastle are awaited.Nicolò Zaniolo is running. In the sense that, after the two years lost through injury, he is already looking forward to returning to the field. (Via: gazzetta.it)"
The Italian international returned to full fitness ahead of the 21/22 season when Jose Mourinho took over. He has since provided 8 goals and 9 assists helping Roma win the inaugural Europa Conference League and was undoubtedly their star player.
Newcastle United are hopeful of attracting Zaniolo to St. James’ Park, however, the midfielder prefers to stay in Italy with AC Milan and Juventus interested.
AS Roma are willing to negotiate a deal worth €50million for Zaniolo. The Magpies have already finalized deals for Matt Target from Aston Villa and are targeting several players including Sven Botman from Lille, Lucas Paqueta from Lyon and Hugo Ekitike from Reims.
Is Newcastle United the perfect “project” for Nicolo Zaniolo?
Zaniolo has certainly got the potential to be one of the best-attacking midfielders. Worryingly for potential suitors, his injury record would be a huge cause of concern. The 22-year-old has already been out injured for nearly 530 games since his debut for AS Roma back in 2018/19.
Newcastle’s entering their first full season under new ownership since Mike Ashley sold the club. If the January window is anything to go by, the Magpies are definitely looking to strengthen the squad in any way possible.
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— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) April 26, 2022
A thumping finish from Nicolo Zaniolo to complete his first-ever hat-trick last time out in the #UECL!#ASRoma pic.twitter.com/e8wezxLetd
Zaniolo definitely adds versatility to the Newcastle United as he is capable of playing as a right-winger and as an attacking midfielder.
With Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Joe Willock, and Jonjo Shelvey competing for the same spot, it is definitely possible to rotate Zaniolo when possible. He can also be starting week in and week out on the wings pairing up with Saint-Maximin and competing with Ryan Fraser and Miguel Almiron.
As stated by Gazetta Dello Sport: The Tyneside club won’t be the only horse in the race with Juventus and current Italian champions, AC Milan, as their direct competition for his signature.