Who is Nicolo Zaniolo? 'Incredible' Arsenal target likened to Son Heung-min

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Arsenal’s search for a January attacking addition continues after Mykhaylo Mudryk joined Chelsea.

According to reports from Italy, the Gunners have rekindled their interest in Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo.

La Repubblica claims Arsenal are ‘the latest club to move’ for the Italian.

And in terms of price tag, Zaniolo is reportedly priced at €30million to €40million.

Mikel Arteta’s charges have been linked with Zaniolo in the past.

In December, Roma Giallorossa claimed that Arsenal asked for information on the 23-year-old ahead of a potential bid.

Obviously the Gunners then went all out for Mudryk, but now they seem to be turning their attentions back to Zaniolo.

The Italian’s contract expires in 2024, so unless Roma agree a new deal, they won’t have much time to cash in.

‘Great technical quality’

Zaniolo has developed into an outstanding player at Roma, who paid Inter Milan just £4million for him 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 some difficult seasons in recent times, suffering cruciate ligament injuries to both of his knees.

However, he has bounced back 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 (was) 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.”

On Twitter, there have been comparisons between Zaniolo and the likes of Kaka, Gareth Bale and Son Heung-min.

All in all, a great shout for Arsenal, and at around a third of the price of Mudryk. Let’s hope the Gunners can pull this one off.