If reports are true, Edu could be bringing his own Kulusevski to Arsenal - TBR View

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Arsenal are loving life at the minute, sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League table and in their Europa League group.

At the same time, no club should rest on their laurels. And with the January transfer window edging ever closer, transfer speculation is on the up.

Arsenal failed to sign a new senior winger and midfielder in summer. So they could well target players in those positions in the new year.

And there have been reports suggesting the Gunners are eyeing Roma and Italy ace Nicolo Zaniolo.

Journalist Ciro Venerato has named the Gunners as an “interested” party and “monitoring” the player’s situation.

However, Arsenal aren’t the only club in pursuit; Juventus are apparently also eyeing Zaniolo.

Venerato appeared as a guest on Domenica Sportiva (via Italy’s FootballNews24 and Sport Witness).

He talked about Zaniolo’s contract situation, with the winger’s contract expiring in 2024.

The player and Roma are currently apart on their demands over a new deal, including his possible salary and bonuses. 

Zaniolo’s contract runs until 2024 and the Giallorossi are keen to add a release clause worth around £42.8 million. 

While the parties go back and forth in contract negotiations, Arsenal and Juventus are apparently keeping tabs.

Mikel Arteta’s men could look at Zaniolo as an ideal opportunity due to his contract running down.

Arsenal target Zaniolo – factfile

Zaniolo has developed into an outstanding player at Roma, who payed Inter Milan just £4million for his services in 2018.

The 23-year-old has made 118 appearances for the Giallorossi, registering 22 goals and 16 assists.

He is a versatile player, capable of playing in midfield, on the wings, as a playmaker, as a second striker and even up front.

Admittedly, Zaniolo has endured a difficult few seasons in Rome after suffering cruciate ligament injuries to both of his knees.

However, he has bounced back brilliantly and helped Jose Mourinho’s side to the Europa Conference League title last season. 

Zaniolo scored the winning goal in the final against Feyenoord to round off an impressive campaign.

“He has an incredible natural physique for someone who is only 19 and also has great technical quality,” Roma icon Daniele De Rossi said in 2019.

“In my opinion, as perhaps with everyone now, he is already a very good player – and can become a great one.”

Could Arsenal sign their own Kulusevski?

On Twitter, fans have compared Zaniolo to Kaka, Gareth Bale, Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski.

Zaniolo is like Kulusevski in that both players are incredibly versatile, as per Transfermarkt.

Both have played in central midfield, attacking midfield, both flanks, second striker and up front during their respective careers.

Then you have the Serie A link, although Zaniolo remains in Jose Mourinho’s starting plans, while Kulusevski seemed surplus to Juventus’ requirements.

If Arsenal sign Zaniolo, they’ll be hoping he hits the ground running in the Premier League just like Kulusevski has done.