With Christian Eriksen having an uncertain future, Tottenham are in the market for a new playmaker this summer. The 27-year-old has admitted in an interview that he’s open to a new challenge and could be a target for Real Madrid.
Eriksen is out of contract in 2020, so Spurs may have to cash in early rather than risk losing him for nothing next year. It appears they have identified a potential replacement too – Nicolo Zaniolo of AS Roma and the Italian national team.
The 20-year-old has been linked with a move to Tottenham and has been the subject of a £21m bid from the Londoners. The £12k-per-week attacking-midfielder is a regular at the Stadio Olimpico, but it’s unknown if he’d improve the Spurs squad next season. Giovani Lo Celso might be a better option.
Zaniolo made 27 Serie A appearances in 2018/19, scoring and creating six goals. He created 18 chances, made 41 successful dribbles (54%), completed 81% of his passes, hit the target with 38% of his 48 shots and whipped in 34 crosses with 18% accuracy. He’s still somewhat raw, however, and may need another year of development before he could make waves in England.
Tottenham will lack depth if Eriksen leaves, but Mauricio Pochettino already has Dele Alli who can do the role that Zaniolo would fill. The Lilywhites should turn their attention to Lo Celso instead.