Spurs in "new discussions" to sign £42m "genius" this week, he's Conte's missing piece - opinion

Tottenham Hotspur are in fresh talks to sign Nicolo Zaniolo from AS Roma…

That’s according to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, who has provided an update on the situation on Twitter, where he said:

“Info: New discussions planned this week between Roma and Tottenham for Zaniolo.

“In the direction of arrivals, the Giallorossi want to sign [Andrea] Belotti. Discussions scheduled for this week.”

It appears as if Spurs are pushing ahead with their intentions to seal the Italy international as their seventh signing of the summer, though it remains to be seen if it would be a permanent deal or an initial loan as some reports have suggested.

A price tag of around £42m has also been mentioned by other outlets.

Former Torino striker Andrea Belotti, who is available on a free transfer, could well take up his place in Jose Mourinho’s squad but he isn’t a like-for-like replacement. However, Paulo Dybala’s arrival could have forced Zaniolo down the pecking order.

Spurs have enjoyed quite a successful summer transfer window so far but they are perhaps one player away from it being an almost perfect spending spree.

Sporting director Fabio Paratici has sealed as many as six new signings, including a £60m splash on Richarlison, as well as £25m spent on Yves Bissouma and the £15m arrival of Djed Spence. Others have either been on a free transfer or on loan.

Some big problems seem to have been fixed, at least on paper.

Clement Lenglet, for example, becomes manager Antonio Conte’s only left-footed – and natural – central defender, whilst the aforementioned Brazilian forward can provide much-needed backup to Harry Kane.

He’s also versatile enough to play anywhere along the front three, so that makes midweek rotation a little easier with