Just this morning in our “Next Season’s Starting Eleven” article we said that Newcastle hadn’t been linked to a right winger of note. Things move fast in the world of football, especially where Newcastle and transfer rumours are concerned.
Gazetta dello Sport in Italy (via The4thOffical.net) are linking Eddie Howe with a move for Roma winger, Nicolo Zaniolo (22).
The Italian international right-winger netted eight goals in Serie A last season adding nine assists to his numbers in 42 matches while averaging 2.5 shots, 1.0 key passes and 2.0 dribbles per game. Those are definitely decent figures for such a young player, and looks like the type of player who could thrive at Newacastle.
Zaniolo is predominently a right-winger but can fill in at attacking midfield or as a second striker and has been touted as a good replacement for Miguel Almiron who is seen by many as likely to be shown the exit door over the summer having not lived up to his potential.
With an estimated value of around £30m (according to transfermarkt.co.uk) he sits in the not cheap but not stupidly priced bracket, especially given how many years he has ahead of him. However, Newcastle would have to compete with Juventus and AC Milan who are also monitoring the Italian.