Nicolò Zaniolo could finally make a move to Tottenham Hotspur this summer after months of speculation, with outgoing transfers key to any deal being secured.
The Roma man was reportedly due to join Spurs earlier in the summer, according to Corriere Dello Sport, before Jose Mourinho blocked the move. The £42.5 million transfer would have included an initial loan deal, but now Spurs may return should the exits of Tanguy Ndombele, Givani Lo Celso and Harry Winks be secured.
They could bring in up to £42.5 million for Ndombele, with Newcastle interested in the midfielder, which could mean that they are able to meet the £50 million price the Serie A club have now reportedly set.
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Zaniolo is a versatile player who can operate in a range of attacking and more defensive roles across the midfield. Under Mourinho, the player has most regularly played as an attacking right-sided forward, but he initially emerged as an exciting midfielder before an ACL injury curtailed his progress.
However, he was crucial as the Roman club secured the Europa Conference League last season, playing in an inside forward role, but his versatility will appeal to compatriot Conte. The player has also played a wide range of roles for Italy, and the belief is that he could play as a wing-back in the Italian's 3-4-3 system.
Having been primarily deployed on the right-hand side during his career, he is a left-footed player who is extremely adept at ball progression. Despite his left-footedness, his comfort on the right-hand side could lend him to a role-playing right-wing back or covering midfield - it is yet to be seen how adept he could be as a left-wing-back.
Here is how Spurs would line up with Zaniolo in their starting XI based on their opening day Premier League starting XI vs Southampton:
GK: Hugo Lloris
CB: Christian Romero
CB Eric Dier
CB: Ben Davies
RWB: Nicolò Zaniolo
CM: Pierre Emile Hojbjerg
CM: Rodrigo Bentancur
LWB: Ryan Sessegnon
RW: Dejan Kulusevski
CF: Harry Kane
LW: Heung-Min Son
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