Virtually every major source are linking AC Milan with a move to sign Nicolo Zaniolo from Roma, and previous words from the forward suggest it is a move he has thought about before.
In an interview with Sportweek last June, Zaniolo was asked about Zlatan Ibrahimovic who he admitted is his idol, and would obviously become a team-mate if he were to join the Rossoneri.
“Milan won 2-1 against us, but I have fulfilled a dream: playing with my idol. I didn’t get to talk to him, but I studied him. I was ashamed to approach him, playing together was nice. I’m happy that Ibra, my idol, won the Scudetto, Milan deserved this Scudetto,” he said (via MilanNews).
As part of the interview, Zaniolo was asked about the rumours that Milan were planning a summer bid for him and he admitted that he sees himself performing best in a formation like a 4-2-3-1, which is the system that Stefano Pioli prefers.
“The market rumours? It’s nice, it means you’re worth it. I want to demonstrate that it’s right to be linked to these clubs. The 3-5-2 doesn’t enhance my characteristics to the maximum, I prefer a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1, but if the coach decides so I have to give 100 percent there, for the team and for the result.”
MilanNews reported earlier today that Zaniolo is a player that gets the approval of the directors because Ricky Massara has known him well since his days at Roma, while for Paolo Maldini he is a player who can raise the quality level in the attacking department, and that a loan with obligation to buy set at €20-22m is on the table.
Get me asap
Zaniolo would be perfect for this Milan. He can easily play all three positions in the attack
Even 4 if we’re talking about 4-2-3-1. He can be the kind of deep lying striker. Or simply a striker as he imposes good physicality.
As Ancelotti once advised him to adjust his playing style after those couple of heavy injuries. Just like the Don did in the past. Surely a CF role will be one of the solutions as he doesn’t have to use his agility and ‘extravagant dribbling’ that much.
Just get someone who will help the team, zaniolo, Ziyech or whoever you want, just make a good decision
His acl injury makes me doubt his future. Hope I’m wrong