Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly unwilling to meet AS Roma’s valuation of €60 million for star playmaker Nicolo Zaniolo.
According to Calciomercato, AS Roma are not budging from their €60 million demands for star man Nicolo Zaniolo amidst interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus. And neither suitor is willing to meet that valuation, handing Jose Mourinho a boost in his attempts to keep hold of the 23-year-old.
Zaniolo recovered his best form in the 2021/22 campaign after a couple of difficult years filled with injury problems. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder played an important role as Roma won the UEFA Europa Conference League, even scoring in the finals against Rangers. His return to form has led to Tottenham Hotspur taking a serious interest in acquiring his services.
Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has been pushing Fabio Paratici and Daniel Levy to invest in Zaniolo’s signing after having been backed significantly in the ongoing transfer window. Spurs have strengthened all the key areas of the squad that needed reinforcing, but the Italian tactician remains on the lookout for a creative midfielder to add to his ranks.
Zaniolo fits the bill given his playmaking abilities and the fact that he can also contribute with goals. His versatile nature makes the Italian international an even more appealing prospect for the north London giants. To that end, Tottenham have been pushing hard to sign the 23-year-old, and have already had a player-plus-cash offer rejected for him.
Tottenham played AS Roma in a pre-season friendly and again enquired about the Italian international after the match as they considered making an improved offer. However, the Giallorossi have again quoted them a price of €60 million, which Tottenham are reluctant to pay despite Conte’s insistence on signing Zaniolo.
Juventus, too, have been keen on signing Zaniolo, but they also deem the price excessive. And with Mourinho intent to keep hold of him, Roma are unlikely to lower their valuation, meaning Spurs could end up missing out on his signing if they are unwilling to match that price.
AFC Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus is being monitored as well, and he could be seen as a potential alternative if the Lilywhites do not sign the 23-year-old Zaniolo from AS Roma.
