Spurs set for talks with striker dubbed 'better than Christian Vieri'

The summer transfer window is a long way off, but yet, summer transfer targets are undoubtedly being identified by Spurs - as Paul Mitchell and his team look to add extra quality to Pochettino's squad ahead of his second campaign in charge.

Fans, pundits and everyone who has had a say on Tottenham Hotspur this year will tell you - they are lacking a centre-forward of real quality; a centre-forward that will thrive next to Harry Kane.

The potential names have ranged from Danny Ings, Christian Benteke to Romelu Lukaku, but now it looks as though Spurs have identified the man they want.

The Italian Job

Emerging reports today suggest that Spurs are increasing their interest in Italian striker Simone Zaza. The 23-year-old is currently on the roster at Serie A club Sassuolo - who sit 13th in their domestic table.

Zaza has currently scored eight goals for his side this season in the league, seven shy of Serie A top-scorer Carlos Tevez at high-flying Juventus. The striker has also represented Italy on four occasions - scoring once against Norway.

The number 10 for Sassuolo has also made a habit of scoring against the percieved 'big boys' in Serie A this season - scoring against all of: Juventus, AS Roma, Inter Milan and AC Milan.

Spurs' goal to get the man who gets the goals

It was reported in mid-January, by The Daily Express, that Spurs were prepared to offer £11 million pounds for the striker, but faced a battle in convincing Juventus to sell their share of the player.

This is because, even though Sassuolo own Zaza's playing rights (having bought them from Juve), the Turin-based club still have the option to buy-back Zaza in 2015 for €15 million, or for €18 million the following year.

Despite the rumours in January accumulating to nothing (surprise, surprise), reports today believe that Zaza's agent is flying to London to discuss a potential move to Spurs come the summer.

Italian website CalcioMercato report that Spurs have 'muscled into' the race to sign the player for £12.6 million, and the player's agent, Christian Maifredi, is now set to arrive in London for talks with Spurs officials.

In addition to this information, Sassuolo Chief Executive, John Carnevali, not only confirmed Juventus' interest in the player, but Spurs also. Carnevali told Tuttosport: "It is being said that Simone must move to Juve but that isn’t necessarily the case as their are some foreign clubs looking at him as well, most notably Tottenham Hotspur, so we want to try and maximise the best deal for the football club."

Rave reviews

The major concern for Spurs fans, regarding Zaza, will be whether he will be able to adapt to the fast playing-style that differentiates the PL from all other leagues in Europe. With many commenting Erik Lamela's inability to update his game from the slow, tactical style of Serie A - the same worry will surround Zaza - if he comes to Spurs.

However, reports on the player suggest that he is more than capable of playing in the PL. Magazine Four-Four-Two have written that Zaza is "considered one of the hottest properties in Serie A," and that many in Italian Football were surprised when Juve sold their stake in Zaza, to fund a move for Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid.

On Zaza's ability, he is considered to be a forward who defends from the front (suiting a Pochettino style of play), as he possesses both vigour and work ethic. Zaza’s hard-running is not just considered needless exertion of energy also, as he is seen to have the tactical understanding, as well as the physical capacity to press intelligently and at the right moments.

Gigi Delneri, who worked with a young Zaza at Atlanta between 2007-2009, said of the player: “He's a a pure centre-forward, like Christian Vieri. He makes the same movements and is left-footed, but Simone is better technically than Vieri.”

 

One of the hottest prospects in Seria A, now where have we heard that before??

8 goals in the slowest league in world football, just what we need to kick on.

 

In fairness Felon, six games for Paolo Tramezzani was nowhere near enough for him to adapt to the pace of the Premier League.

 

Yeah sorry Josh, just think personally theres certain positions that you need genuine ready made end product.
Cheap fixes and potential dnt cut it and are just a waste of money.
Plus i think that this shopping in Seria A is a complete waste of time not only is the football totally polar opposite to the prem its also nothing like the style Poch wants/needs to make his system work, and has Baldinis finger prints all over it.

 

1. Totally agree with felon on this one 8 goals is a poor return at any level and especially serie A which ain't great at the min.. Seen many italiens struggling in prem over the years or players come from that league. Sheva crespo weah maccarrone borini lamela casiraghi to name a few. Needs a top class import not a gamble or prem proven.
2. Berahinho really fits the bill for me. Scored goals pretty consistent all season and is quick strong can play two/three positions and young enough to develop further not costing the earth.
3. Mirales as a third striker option who can play predominantly as a winger to accommodate playing Kane and berahinho together.