Aston Villa ‘working on’ £26m Nicolo Zaniolo transfer

Aston Villa are “working on a deal” to sign Galatasaray forward Nicolo Zaniolo, according to a report.

The 24-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to Newcastle United this summer, despite joining Galatasaray just seven months ago.

Italian clubs AC Milan and Juventus are also said to be interested in the attacking midfielder, but it has now emerged that Villa are working on a deal to sign the star.

That’s according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who tweeted: “Understand Aston Villa are working on a deal to sign Nicolo Zaniolo. It’s concrete possibility being discussed, one of the top names in the list.

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“Villa director Monchi signed Zaniolo at Roma from Inter and negotiations will follow with Galatasaray. Deal on.”

The history with Monchi could provide Villa with a strong advantage if the Zaniolo situation turns into a bidding war with Newcastle, AC Milan and Juventus.

It’s been reported that Zaniolo has a £30.1 million release clause, though Galatasaray could accept offers of £26m. He could be seen as a replacement for Philippe Coutinho, who has been strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia or Qatar this summer.

Zaniolo turned down a move to the Premier League back in January, having pulled the plug on a deadline day move to Bournemouth before joining Galatasaray instead.

Should Villa sign Zaniolo? Tell us in the comments.

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