Real Madrid: In recent times, Real Madrid has signed some mini galacticos. Figures of the stature of Vinicius Junior, Rodrgyo, etc. They have turned out to be brilliant signings for the white team. Currently it seems that they have also identified their next mini galactic.
According to Defense Central via The Hard Tackle, Real Madrid are interested in Nicolo Zaniolo. The 23-year-old currently plays for Serie A side AS Roma. Carlo Ancelotti is said to be interested in signing the player.
The Italian international came to Roma from Inter Milan as a teenager. He was part of the deal that saw Radja Nainggolan pass through to the other side. Since his transfer to Rome, he has earned a good reputation.
However, he has not been able to reach the heights expected of him. Zaniolo’s fitness has been a concern for him. Although he is still young and has time to reach his potential.
Real Madrid seeks to avoid a crisis
In a few years, Los Blancos will be in transition. Soon they will need new attackers. Karim Benzema is now 35 years old, while Mariano Diaz is just a marginal player. Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio’s contracts will soon run out. Thus, this leaves them only with Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
It is unlikely that the duo of Hazard and Asensio will also get an extension. Therefore, Los Blancos will soon need to inject some fresh blood into their attack. That is why Ancelloti wants to sign Zaniola. The Italian scored two goals and also provided three assists in 15 appearances.
It is said that the Real Madrid coach is a fan of the player. He is the engine of Los Blancos’ interest in the Italian. Not only this, next summer Zaniola will only have one year left on his contract. Given that Roma are rebuilding with Mourinho, they could sell him next summer.
The Spanish team has also been linked to a move by Marcus Thuram. French will soon be available for free. Therefore, it also offers a viable and cheap option. However, it remains to be seen if Los Blancos will seek his signature or not.
The clash between Ancelotti and Florentino Pérez
Although Ancelotti wants to sign the Roma striker, Pérez is not willing to sign him. The president of Real Madrid has his doubts about the transfer. Therefore, he is not willing to penalize a play by the Italian international. The main reason behind Perez’s concern is Zaniola’s injury history.
Despite his early career, Zaniola had his fair share of injuries. This is also a reason behind the recent downfall of it. Plus, at least on paper, he’s unlikely to make a difference for Los Blancos. With the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland in the offing, Los Blancos will not have the finances to sign Zaniola.
Other clubs such as Newcastle United have also been linked with a transfer for him. Serie A side Juventus have also previously been linked with him. Therefore, it will not be easy for the Spanish team to attract him to LaLiga. Real Madrid is not in a position to guarantee him regular football either.
Regular playing time will also be a factor behind his transfer. At the age of 23, he would like to play regularly. Therefore, for the time being, a move to the Santiago Bernabéu seems unlikely for the Roma striker.
