Villarreal are reportedly stepping up their efforts to secure Nicolò Zaniolo, who is set to return to Galatasaray after his loan spell at Aston Villa. The Spanish club, under the guidance of manager Marcelino, are highly interested in the Italian playmaker and is pushing hard to bring him to La Liga.
Sky Sport Italia outline how Zaniolo’s stint at Aston Villa has come to an end, and he is poised to rejoin Galatasaray, who signed him outright in February 2023. Despite this, his future in Istanbul is uncertain, and Villarreal have emerged as a leading contender for his signature, potentially offering him a new challenge in Spain.
Villarreal’s interest in Zaniolo aligns with their strategy to strengthen their squad with versatile and experienced players. Having already played in Serie A, Süper Lig, and the Premier League, Zaniolo could add La Liga to his impressive resume. This move would mark his first venture into Spanish football, diversifying his career further.
The recently concluded season has been a mixed bag for Zaniolo. Despite making 40 appearances, he averaged only 34 minutes per match. His impact on the scoreboard was minimal, with just three goals and no assists. These stats reflect a year of inconsistency, but his potential and skill set remain attractive to clubs like Villarreal.
Apart from Zaniolo, Villarreal are also eyeing Emerson Royal, the Brazilian winger currently with Tottenham Hotspur. However, Emerson is reportedly waiting for a move to Milan, leaving Villarreal focused on securing Zaniolo.
