Real Madrid: In recent times Real Madrid have signed some mini galacticos. The likes of Vinicius Junior, Rodrgyo, etc. have turned out to be brilliant signings for the Los Blancos. Presently it looks like they have identified their next mini galactico as well.
According to Defense Central via The Hard Tackle, Real Madrid are interested in Nicolo Zaniolo. The 23 years old currently plays for Serie A side AS Roma. Carlo Ancelotti is said to be keen to sign the player.
The Italian international joined Roma from Inter Milan as a teenager. He was part of the deal that saw Radja Nainggolan move to the other side. Since his move to Rome, he has earned a good reputation for himself.
However, he hasn’t been able to hit the heights that were expected of him. Zaniolo’s fitness has been a concern for him. Although he is still young and he has time to reach his potential.
Real Madrid looking to avoid a crisis
In a few years, Los Blancos will be in a transition. They will soon need new attackers. Karim Benzema is 35 years old now, while Mariano Diaz is only a fringe player. Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio’s contracts will soon run down. Thus this leaves them with only Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
The duo of Hazard and Asensio are unlikely to get an extension as well. Thus Los Blancos will need to soon inject some fresh blood into the attack. That’s why Ancelloti wants to sign Zaniola. The Italian has scored two goals and further provided three assists in 15 appearances.
The Real Madrid manager is said to be a fan of the player. He is the driving force behind Los Blanco’s interest in the Italian. Not only this, next summer Zaniola will have just one year left on his contract. Considering Roma are rebuilding themselves under Mourinho, they could sell him next summer.
The Spanish side have also been linked with a move for Marcus Thuram. The Frenchman will be soon available on a free transfer. Thus, he offers a viable and cheap option as well. However, it remains to be seen whether Los Blancos will pursue his signature or not.
The clash between Ancelotti and Florentino Perez
Although Ancelotti wants to sign the Roma forward, Perez is not keen to sign him. The Real Madrid president has his concerns over the move. Thus he is not willing to sanction a move for the Italian international. The main reason behind Perez’s concern is Zaniola’s injury record.
Despite his early career, Zaniola had a fair share of injuries. This is also a reason behind his recent downfall. Also, at least on paper, he is unlikely to be a difference-maker for Los Blancos. With the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland in sight Los Blancos won’t have the finances to sign Zaniola.
Other clubs like Newcastle United have also been linked with a move for him. Serie A side Juventus have been previously linked with him as well. Thus, it won’t be easy for the Spanish side to lure him to La Liga. Real Madrid are in no position to guarantee him regular football as well.
Regular game time will also be a factor behind his transfer. At the age of 23, he would want to play regularly. Therefore for the time being a move to Santiago Bernabeu looks unlikely for the Roma forward.
