Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly upped the ante in their pursuit of AS Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo as they look to close the deal at the earliest.
According to AS Roma Live, Tottenham Hotspur are accelerating their pursuit of AS Roma and Italy playmaker Nicolo Zaniolo as they look to get the deal over the line as soon as possible.
Zaniolo has emerged as one of the top targets for Tottenham manager Antonio Conte and director Fabio Paratici, both of whom have been pushing hard to sign the 23-year-old attacking midfielder. But, Roma have been playing hardball in negotiations as they are reluctant to let go of their prized asset.
Tottenham had presented Roma with a player-plus-cash offer for Zaniolo involving Joe Rodon, but the Giallorossi turned down the proposal. There have been talks about the possible inclusion of other players like Japhet Tanganga, Tanguy Ndombele and even Giovani Lo Celso as makeweights in the operation. But Roma remain steadfast on their stance that they will only consider an offer worth €50 million for him.
Indeed, as per the report, Roma would only sanction a €50 million permanent transfer or even a loan deal with an obligation to purchase for the same amount. And Tottenham have ‘accepted’ the situation and are ready to step up their pursuit of the 23-year-old Italian international.
Tottenham have had a solid transfer window so far, bringing in players like Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet and Djed Spence. They are also closing in on the capture of Udinese left-back Destiny Udogie, having agreed personal terms with the youngster, although he is likely to be loaned back to the Italian club.
Manager Conte is still pushing for additions, with a new creative midfielder high on the wishlist of the Italian tactician. Most of the midfielders on Spurs’ roster currently are not known for their playmaking abilities, and that is something the club wish to address by adding a player like Zaniolo, who can provide a creative spark in the final third of the pitch.
Now that they have seemingly accepted Roma’s stance of wanting €50 million for Zaniolo, Tottenham could potentially launch an offer for the Italian international as they look to complete the transfer well ahead of the deadline. The report states that the next three-four days would be crucial as the Premier League giants evaluate whether to make an offer or look elsewhere.
