According to Turkish Football, Newcastle United are now leading the battle for Galatasaray midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, who is open to a move to St. James’ Park this summer.
Who is Newcastle bringing in this summer?
The Magpies are still looking to strengthen a number of crucial positions this summer, with Fabian Schar’s pre-season injury prompting them to look for a replacement center-back, having already conducted talks with Joachim Andersen.
“Let’s see what happens with the centre-backs, I think as an extra deal,” transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano remarked. They always had chats with [Axel] Disasi, but he joined Chelsea, and they also spoke with the agents of Joachim Andersen, a player they have admired for a long time.”
With Eddie Howe looking to strengthen his team’s spine, Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy claims that a bid for Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay might still be filed, but the Red Devils are ready to hold out for £45 million.
In terms of a wide range of alternatives, journalist Alan Nixon has suggested that Newcastle United could make a move for Estudiantes de la Plata winger Benjamin Rollheiser, who is interested in a move to St. James’ Park this summer.
Zaniolo is another striking possibility for the Magpies, with the Magpies now dominating the race for his signature following recent talks, according to Turkish Football.
The Italian, who has a £30 million release clause in his contract, has received an offer from an undisclosed Saudi club, but he would prefer to continue in Europe and is open to a move to St. James’ Park.
There are other prospective bidders, with Juventus attempting to reduce Galatasaray’s asking price, but they have no intention of allowing him depart for less than his release clause, leaving Newcastle as the only team still interested who can match Galatasaray’s valuation.
The 24-year-old is described as a “highly rated, talented player” in the article, so he might be a significant coup for the Magpies.
How talented is Nicolo Zaniolo?
The Italian international has been dubbed “sensational” by the media since joining Galatasaray last season, scoring five goals in ten Turkish Super Lig games to help Galatasaray win the championship.
Although former AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho froze out the attacking midfielder before his departure, he was full of praise for his performance against Sampdoria less than a year ago, saying:
“I knew Zaniolo was going to be devastating in the last 20-30 minutes; he just missed the goal tonight, which would have capped off a fantastic performance.”
“I was very pleased with Zaniolo tonight.” He was physically devastating and tough for Samp to stop. Nicol is always difficult to manage for the oppent.
However, the former Roma man has failed on certain important measures over the last year, scoring just 0.16 non-penalty goals per 90 minutes, despite a projected total of 0.37, meaning he has scored less than half of what he should have based on the quality of his chances.
Zaniolo is a good age to be a long-term success at Newcastle, and £30.1m could be a fair sum, but he will need to improve his clinical ability if he is to be a consistent first-team player.
