In a recent report, Roma Giallorossa stated that Arsenal are eyeing a move for AS Roma playmaker Nicolo Zaniolo next summer. It has been claimed that the Gunners are hoping to acquire the services of the Italian attacker at the end of this season.
Zaniolo’s Impressive Form In Italian Football This Season
Zaniolo is enjoying a decent campaign with Roma after producing some impressive performances for them in the final third. The 23-year-old has registered two goals and three assists in 14 matches for the Italian club this season across multiple competitions.
The Italian sensation has proven his worth as a consistent member of Roma’s first team by averaging 2.0 shots, 0.7 key passes and 0.8 dribbles per 90 minutes in Serie A football. However, he needs to be more careful when distributing possession in the opposition half after completing 69% of his attempted passes in the Italian first division (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Stadio Olimpico is set to expire in the summer of 2024. Hence, the Gunners could potentially land Zaniolo for a bargain fee at the end of this campaign.
Is Zaniolo The Right Fit For Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta?
Zaniolo can generate space for himself to get a few strikes in at goal and is a decent playmaker on the attacking third of the field. He is quite clever with his movements in and around the opposition penalty area and can contribute by scoring and creating his fair share of goals up top. Zaniolo is primarily an attacking midfielder but can also function as a secondary striker or play as a right-sided winger if his manager asks him to do so.
There is no doubt that Zaniolo has what it takes to fight for a regular starting spot at the Emirates Stadium. However, he has to improve his passing accuracy in the final third if he wants to fit into Mikel Arteta‘s style of play at Arsenal.
We can expect Zaniolo to add some goals and creativity to Arteta’s frontline at the North London club. Therefore, he will be a good fit for the Gunners as long as the player can make a smooth transition to life in Premier League football.
At 23, Zaniolo will only get better in the coming seasons and would be a great signing for Arsenal to pull off in 2023. He could even help the London giants challenge for some major trophies in the not-too-distant future.
