Manchester United are reportedly in contention to sign Nicolo Zaniolo next season with AS Roma prepared to cash in on the playmaker.
According to Il Messagaro, Manchester United are among the clubs interested securing in the services of Nicolo Zaniolo. The AS Roma playmaker is facing an uncertain future at the club, with his current deal expiring in 2024. Roma have not had much luck negotiating a new deal with the player, which has forced the club’s hierarchy to consider a potential sale in the summer.
While the Giallorossi are yet to announce a price tag on Zaniolo, they intend to monitor the interest around the player and potentially create a bidding war. Manchester United are among the clubs expected to enter the race for the Italian, who could be on the verge of a move away from Serie A next season.
Formerly of Fiorentina, Zaniolo has been a part of the Roma setup since the summer of 2018. He had made his breakthrough in his first season in the capital and has since established himself as one of the most talented playmakers in Italy.
Unfortunately, the 22-year-old’s progress at Stadio Olimpico has been ravaged by injuries in recent years. It has led to him featuring in only 95 competitive matches in three and a half years, with the player notably missing a combined total of 14 months due to ACL problems.
However, Zaniolo’s struggles with injuries have not deterred Manchester United, who are in the market for attacking players. The Red Devils are braced to lose Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata, whose contracts expire at the end of the season, whereas they have had to deal with the January departure of Donny van de Beek. The Dutchman has joined Everton on loan and may well leave the club in the summer.
Even Paul Pogba is destined for a move elsewhere amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain. It has accentuated the need for a new playmaker, with Zaniolo emerging as an ideal solution.
The Italian is blessed with technical abilities and has the versatility of playing even in wider areas of the pitch. Given his age, he also has the potential of becoming one of the best playmakers in Europe, making him a viable option for Manchester United next season, though they may have to fend off competition from Tottenham Hotspur.
