Nicolo Zaniolo to ‘assess his options’ ahead of permanent Aston Villa move amid transfer update
Aston Villa midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo will “assess his options” before ruling out a permanent switch to Villa Park this summer, according to Alan Hutton.
The Italian international has had a mixed loan spell under Unai Emery, constantly being rotated in and out of the Villa boss’ starting XI, but impressed as the Villans picked up an impressive 2-0 win against Arsenal last time out.
Zaniolo has been outspoken during his time in England, suggesting that he is keen to return to Italy this summer once his loan spell in England comes to an end, but Villa can still decide to make the 24-year-old’s stay permanent.
While Hutton thinks a decision won’t be made until the end of the season, he admits that he expects the Galatasaray loanee to consider a move to Serie A this summer ahead of a permanent move to the Premier League.
“It is a difficult one, he came to the club with high expectations,” Hutton told Villa News.
“We’ve seen it in flashes what he is capable of and I think there is a very good player in there. He’s one of those guys that has to play week in and week out, if you’re bringing him in just for a game and then he’s back out for two, I don’t think you see the best of him.
“Yes, he’s spoken about Italy and wanting to return and play there. I think that’s where he played his best football for Roma, is that something that he will look at? Probably. Does he feel homesick? I don’t know, only he would be able to answer that.
“Again, we’re just going to have to see how it develops. He’s probably thinking at this moment in time that he’s not played the football that he wanted, therefore he’ll have to assess his options.”
Will Aston Villa sign Nicolo Zaniolo permanently in the summer transfer window?
While injuries have plagued Emery’s squad this season, the Villa boss could be able to call upon the likes of Jacob Ramsey, Emi Buendia, Morgan Rogers, Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby at the start of next season.
That immense depth in attacking midfield makes it incredibly hard to see where Zaniolo would get the consistent minutes he needs to impact games on a regular basis if all parties decided to pursue a permanent move.
While the 24-year-old showed against Arsenal he is capable of performing in the Premier League, injuries and inconsistent performances mean that cutting ties at the end of next season may be the best call for all parties.
However, a consistent run of form between now and the end of the season will give both Emery and his recruitment team a decision to make in the summer. Nothing is decided yet and there could be another twist in the tale.
In other Aston Villa news, Ezri Konsa could be set to consider a £40million move to Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window
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