Tottenham have seen a bid rejected for AS Roma wantaway star Nicolo Zaniolo but are expected to continue negotiations for the 23-year-old creative attacker, who prefers a move to Antonio Conte’s side.
Spurs could be close to signing Nicolo Zaniolo from Roma this month, with Italian journalist Daniele Longo suggesting Zaniolo’s agent has traveled to London in order to negotiate with Tottenham, while cross-London rivals West Ham could also look to hijack the deal if the Lilywhites fail to reach an agreement for the 23-year-old attacking midfielder.
Zaniolo has made 128 appearances for Roma since joining from Inter Milan in 2018, scoring 24 goals and 18 assists from across multiple positions in the midfield, and out-wide. Roma supporters will fondly remember him for his vital contributions in earning them their first piece of silverware in a long while last season in the form of the Europa Conference League.
However, that was one of the few noteworthy moments from the 23-year-old in a Roma shirt, as despite being dubbed the “Golden Boy” of Italian football, he has struggled to keep consistency throughout his tenure.
Zaniolo has entered the final 18 months of his contract in Rome, and could well be shown the exit door after rejecting to pen fresh terms with the club, as well as following an underwhelming first half of the season.
Reports of a total breakdown between the club and the player have emerged recently, with the attacker left out of Jose Mourinho’s squad for the last two Serie A matchdays amidst his desire to seal an exit before the end of the month.
The Giallorossi, for their part, have officially put the 23-year-old attacker on the transfer list and are actively inviting proposals from abroad.
The player’s entourage have been given the go-ahead to bring forward any offers from England and Germany. Spurs, who have tried to sign Zaniolo multiple times in the past and are long-term admirers of his talents, have proposed a loan deal with an obligation to buy based on the number of appearances made and whether Antonio Conte’s side manages to qualify for next year’s Champions League.
While the Italian outfit are willing to sell the attacking player in the January transfer window, they will only consider a permanent sale, and have put a €40 million asking price, and won’t accept any offers below the €35 million. The Rome-based club will only loan him out if they have a definite obligation to buy at the end of the loan. It’s no wonder they were quick in declining Spurs’ opening offer.
As things stand, Claudio Vigorelli, Zaniolo’s agent, is in England trying to engineer an agreement between the Giallorossi and Tottenham before the end of the transfer window. Spurs are very much viewed as Zaniolo’s preferred option, which should help them get the deal over the line.
Antonio Conte’s side have shown the most interest in Zaniolo so far, and it’s easy to see why. Renowned for his playmaking abilities, mazy dribbling, and very powerful shot, Zaniolo will bring even more creativity, work rate, flair, and quality depth to Spurs’ attacking department.
With his team in desperate need of inspiration and spark, Antonio Conte will almost certainly press the Spurs hierarchy behind the scenes to bring in fresh faces through the door.
