AS Roma have reportedly asked for Oliver Skipp to be included in the deal for Nicolo Zaniolo, but Tottenham are not keen on such a proposal.
According to Rome-based outlet Giallorossi, AS Roma are demanding that Oliver Skipp be made a part of any potential deal for Nicolo Zaniolo. Tottenham are keen on signing the Italian international but look reluctant to include the promising 21-year-old midfielder in a part-exchange form.
AS Roma have been tasked with a tricky task to improve Jose Mourinho’s squad ahead of the 2022/23 season but within the constraints of their limited budget. So far, clinched have done a few good deals, particularly that of Paulo Dybala, who has arrived at Stadio Olimpico on a free transfer.
The Argentine’s arrival instantly elevates the attacking quality of the squad but also provides Mourinho with a tricky option to compose his team. With Dybala at his disposal, the AS ROma manager has the flexibility to move away from Nicolo Zaniolo and use the Italian international to raise funds in the market.
Despite talks of Juventus’s keenness in Zaniolo, it seems Tottenham have the most substantial interest of all clubs in the attacker. Spurs have explored different ideas to bring the 23-year-old winger to north London, but they have been unsuccessful so far.
Tottenham’s latest attempt was to try and include some of their unwanted stars, such as Japhet Tanganga and Tanguy Ndombele, in negotiations, but Roma are not interested in either player. There were reports of some interest from Roma in Tanganga, but the English defender could be closing in on joining Serie A rivals AC Milan.
Meanwhile, Ndombele is of no interest to Mourinho, who reportedly wants Oliver Skipp to be included as part of the deal for Zaniolo. Tottenham are unwilling to pay Roma’s €60 million asking price for the Italian international and have hoped to lower the valuation by including players.
However, Tottenham are not ready to dispense off with Skipp just yet, as those in charge of the club see a promising future for the 21-year-old prospect. Hence they are not willing to include Skipp as part of the negotiations. But that does not mean Tottenham will end their pursuit of Zaniolo, as a loan move has recently been suggested.
For now, Roma will ideally look to keep firm on their valuation and extract the best value for their star attacker, who may be allowed to leave. That is not to say the Giallorossi would be unwilling to lower their asking price, although it is understood they may not go below the €50 million mark for the Italian international.
