Ivan Reggiani has told Calciomercato.it that Nicolo Zaniolo is close to a transfer to Juventus with the Roma star and reported Liverpool target’s agent, Claudio Vigorelli, holding talks.
The Bianconeri want to take Zaniolo to the Allianz Stadium this summer after announcing Paulo Dybala is leaving Turin. Juventus have opted not to extend the Argentine’s contract before it will expire in June, having failed to agree on fresh terms for their vice-captain.
Massimiliano Allegri is eager to fill Dybala’s void in the Old Lady dressing room by adding balance to his attack. The Serie A side spent big to sign a new striker in Dusan Vlahovic in January, and now hope to complete their frontline grouping opposite to Federico Chiesa.
Italian agent Reggiani claims knowledge that Zaniolo is likely near to joining Juventus in the summer to help replace Dybala. He also claims the 22-year-old will earn circa €6m to €7m-a-year (£96k to £112k-a/w), and is confident he will soon be worth far more than his value.
“It is almost an operation that has reached definition,” Reggiani said. “They told me that Vigorelli, he wakes up and goes to Turin. Figures? Zaniolo would be worth 100m (£83.5m), but at the moment from 60m euros (£50m), plus €6-7m salary, a bit like Chiesa.
“For Juve, it would be a great signing, because it would give an important Italian profile.”
Juventus to pip Liverpool in transfer race for Roma ace Zaniolo
Reggiani claiming Juventus are nearing a deal for Zaniolo suggests Liverpool are set to miss out in the race for the Roma ace’s transfer. Roma Live noted in February that the Reds had launched exploratory surveys to assess the possibility of the eight-cap Italy winger moving.
Zaniolo has attracted interest in his services after offering Jose Mourinho a creative threat in Rome so far this season. He has four goals and eight assists in 33 appearances across all competitions. But the Massa-born maestro has also received 11 yellow cards and one red.
Jurgen Klopp would hope to tame his disciplinary issues if the German can lure Zaniolo to Anfield. And TuttoMercatoWEB report Roma are yet to make a final decision on a transfer with a minimum €40m (£33.5m) price tag. Yet they may also hand him a new contract still.
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