Aston Villa are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Nicolo Zaniolo from Galatasaray in an initial loan move, with an option to buy included in the agreement.
The 24-year-old enjoyed a productive spell at Roma previously where he scored 24 goals and provided 18 assists in 128 appearances, despite his time with the Giallorossi being disrupted by two serious injury setbacks.
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Having joined Galatasaray in February, the Italian international bagged five goals and one assist in 12 outings for the Turkish giants last season, as he got himself back on track and showcased his qualities.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Villa are now closing in on a deal to sign him in an initial loan move worth €4m as we’ll cover his salary this season, while there will be an option to buy clause inserted into the agreement for €22m.
It’s added that the deal, including add-ons, could be worth €27m in total, and an agreement is said to now be very close and could be completed soon.
Particularly after the injury suffered by Emiliano Buendia, Villa need to add another option in the final third, and Zaniolo brings speed, strength, directness and an eye for a goal or assist to be a decisive figure in our attack.
Given his own injury history, an initial loan move would be ideal as it challenges him to produce consistently and prove himself to be a reliable presence in the Villa squad before a decision is made on his long-term future.
Further, with his composure in possession and turn of pace to break free of pressure and create threatening openings, he could be an ideal fit for our system and style of play, and so the move undoubtedly makes a lot of sense.
It remains to be seen if Zaniolo was of interest to Villa prior to Buendia’s injury or not, as we may well make a double signing for that area of the squad to ensure Emery has the options he needs for the season ahead.
