Zaniolo wants ‘leading role’ in Aston Villa squad, agent says

Nicolo Zaniolo is still motivated to ‘establish himself’ in Unai Emery’s Aston Villa squad in the final months of the season, his agent Claudio Vigorelli underlined.

The 24-year-old Italian forward has struggled to show his best in the Premier League since joining the Villans from Galatasaray last summer on a €5m loan deal with a €27m conditional obligation to buy clause attached, linked to his playing time.

Zaniolo has continued to be a part of Luciano Spalletti’s Italy squad over the last few months and featured in both their friendlies last month, suggesting a possible call up for Euro 2024, something that has divided fans considering his struggles with Aston Villa this term.

Speaking to Gianluca Di Marzio, agent Claudio Vigorelli discussed his client Zaniolo, his position at Aston Villa and desire to join the Azzurri for Euro 2024.

“Nicolo strongly wants to go to the European Championship in the summer. He’s muscling his way into the Aston Villa squad, where the competition is very tough.

“He really wanted to play in the Premier League and is trying to carve out a leading role for himself, he still has several months to establish himself.

“His experience in England and the previous one at Galatasaray are making him grow as a player and as a man. We’re talking a lot, I can tell he’s excited and motivated.”

Zaniolo stats

This season, the 24-year-old Italian forward has scored three goals across 32 total appearances for Aston Villa.