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Arsenal join the race to sign Roma ace Nicolo Zaniolo

By Ritayan Chatterjee on December 28, 2022

Arsenal have reportedly entered the race to sign AS Roma forward Nicolo Zaniolo, as per the SportMediaset on Italia Uno (via MilanNews).

The Gunners are seemingly looking to strengthen their squad in this upcoming January transfer window. Mikel Arteta has recently revealed that they are actively exploring the market to add more firepower this winter and there are possibilities of new signings if the right option becomes available.

According to the report by SportMediaset on Italia Uno (via MilanNews), Zaniolo is set to enter the final 18 months of his current contract at the Stadio Olimpico and the negotiations between the winger and Roma regarding a new deal have reached an impasse.

The report further claims that this situation has alerted potential suitors and Arsenal are now showing an interest in signing the talented forward. However, the Emirates outfit will face competition from Serie A giants Juventus and AC Milan along with arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur in signing the Italian.

It is likely that if Roma do not find an agreement to tie their star man down to a new long-term contract soon, then the Giallorossi could be open to cashing in during the January window or next summer in order to make the most profit out of the forward’s sale.

Nicolo Zaniolo to Arsenal

The 23-year-old – who is valued at around £26m by Transfermarkt – could be a feasible option for Arsenal to bolster their attack. He is a versatile forward and can play anywhere across the front line.

It was previously reported that Arteta is keen on strengthening the flanks this winter and signing a backup to Bukayo Saka, in order to ease the Englishman’s workload, is one of the priorities next month. So, the Roma man could be an ideal option.

However, the youngster has struggled with his injury issue over the last few campaigns which have hampered his development massively. Hence, I think purchasing the Italian international might not be a wise decision.

It has widely been touted that Mykhaylo Mudryk is the north London club’s primary target to strengthen the attack this January and they have already submitted a formal bid of around £55m to sign the Ukrainian.

However, a recent report claims that Shakhtar Donetsk have rejected the Gunners’ opening bid and they are holding onto their £85m valuation for their biggest asset.

Therefore, although Zaniolo would be a cheaper alternative to strengthen the forward line this January, signing Mudryk could be a wiser decision, given the Ukrainian seemingly possesses a higher potential than the Roma star.