Aston Villa are working on a move for Galatasaray and Italy midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo with Monchi said to be an admirer of him from his time at Roma.
Zaniolo was linked to Villa earlier in the month which appeared to cool off, but as the season draws closer the rumours are resurfacing.
This has been reported by Fabrizio Romano today who has said he is one of the top names on Villa’s list.
Why do Aston Villa want Nicolo Zaniolo?
He is an attacking midfielder who would likely play as a second striker or as a wide midfielder in Unai Emery’s system at Villa Park.
The most similar player at the club is Jacob Ramsey. Both want to get on the ball and drive forward resulting in plenty of fouls being given in favour of the Italian.
He is a talented player, winning the Serie A young player of the year in his breakthrough season. He was also part of the side that won the Europa Conference League in 2022.
Last season in Super Lig for Galatasaray, he scored five in ten appearances following a £15 million move.
Monchi worked with Zaniolo during his time at Roma and appears to be keen to reunited with the midfielder in the Midlands.
Would Nicolo Zaniolo be a good signing for Aston Villa?
He would help to provide squad depth in an attacking midfield position as Villa look to go deep in both cup competitions and Europe.
The issue with a potential move is that, typically one attacking midfielder starts for Emery. This means John McGinn, Emiliano Buendia, Phillipe Coutinho and Ramsey will be fighting for one starting spot.
Zaniolo is likely to cost upwards of £20 million which is a high fee for a midfielder who isn’t guaranteed minutes, this could be a large fee to pay.
In saying this, he undoubtably has quality and under Emery he could rediscover his form from his early days in Rome.
Unless there is a midfield departure, this move doesn’t make complete sense no matter the quality he possesses.
