Arsenal have reportedly entered talks with Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo - after missing out on Mykhaylo Mudryk following his big-money move to Chelsea.
The Gunners' proposed move for the Ukrainian was hijacked by Chelsea as the Blues confirmed the arrival of Mudryk on a staggering eight-and-a-half year contract on Sunday. The deal could cost Todd Boehly up to £88m including add-ons for the highly-rated winger, who has scored eight goals and provided 10 assists in 18 games this season.
According to La Repubblica, relayed by Forza Roma, Arsenal have turned to their second priority transfer in the form of Italy international Zaniolo. The 23-year-old has struggled for form and fitness this season but is a talented player with a lot of potential that could fit straight into Mikel Arteta's mould and system.
Arsenal have been left with 'avalanche of money' to strengthen their attacking department after their second bid of around £62m was turned down by Shakhtar. Zaniolo is a tall, strong, and fast player, who is also a good dribbler and can play in a number of positions, including in midfield or on the wing. He has scored twice and provided three assists in 17 appearances this term.
A versatile player due to his creativity, technique, work-rate, energy, and physicality, Zaniolo would be a smart addition by Arteta, and the Spaniard is supposedly a big fan of the Roma midfielder. His current contract is set to run out in 2024 and the chances of him signing a new deal are very low as negotiations have stalled.
As much as Jose Mourinho would like to keep him, he and Roma are aware they 'cannot rule out an immediate farewell' in the January window due to his contract situation. Zaniolo could be available for between €30m and €40m, which would be a bargain for a player of his quality and future ability.
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Meanwhile, the Gunners have received some positive news on potential January target Facundo Torres. The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, having impressed at MLS side Orlando City.
"Orlando City confirmed to me that there was contact with Arsenal, but then I left for the World Cup and I didn’t want to hear about a potential transfer at that point," Torres told 90min. "So the conversation stayed there but now that I am back with the team, we will see where the conversation goes."
"I would love to play in Europe. It’s a dream I’ve had since I was a kid," the 22-year-old added. At the moment I am focused on Orlando City. But La Liga or Premier League would be my targets, and that’s where the rumours are coming from. But yeah, I'd absolutely love that!"
Torres scored nine times in Major League Soccer last season as Orlando City reached the end-of-season playoffs. The winger was called up to Diego Alonso's Uruguay squad for the World Cup, but didn't make it onto the pitch as the South Americans suffered an early elimination.
