Tottenham transfer news: Roma star Zaniolo makes Bournemouth decision

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AS Roma have now accepted a bid from AFC Bournemouth for the late-window transfer of Nicolo Zaniolo. But the Tottenham Hotspur target has other ideas for his move this month.

That is according to Calciomercato, which reports Zaniolo has turned down the chance to join Bournemouth. The Italy forward has made it clear that he only wants to join an elite-calibre club if he leaves the Stadio Olimpico. AC Milan also remain his priority destination.

Zaniolo is prepared to pass up a chance to secure a huge payday by moving to the Premier League. He could earn €4.5m-a-year (£76k-a/w) with the Cherries compared to the €3m-a-year (£50k-a/w) on offer at San Siro. But the 23-year-old issued a firm no to Bournemouth.

The only issue, however, is that AC Milan remain far from offering Roma’s asking price for Zaniolo’s transfer. Technical director Paolo Maldini has only put a loan move with a €28m (£24.5m) obligation to buy on the table. It is far from enough to convince Giallorossi chiefs.

Bournemouth, on the other hand, have convinced Roma to let Zaniolo leave in a last-ditch transfer. TuttoMercatoWEB reports the Cherries have put a €35m (£31m) bid on the table. It entails an upfront €28m (£24.5m) plus €7m (£6m) in add-ons and 10% of any future fee.

Tottenham are still pushing to seal Nicolo Zaniolo’s transfer from Roma

Roma considered Bournemouth’s offer acceptable and let Zaniolo decide on a move to the English south coast. But he has no interest in joining a Premier League relegation battle. A switch to AC Milan also offers Champions League football on top of a Serie A title contest.

Zaniolo’s opposition to joining Bournemouth will only offer the Cherries’ Premier League rival Tottenham a minor degree of hope given his desire to secure a transfer to AC Milan. Dharmesh Sheth has reported that Spurs remain keen on the Roma ace coming to England.

Antonio Conte wants to sign his compatriot, who Gabriele Marcotti calls ‘supremely gifted’ when fit, despite welcoming Arnaut Danjuma to north London. The Tottenham boss wants to seal Zaniolo’s transfer from Roma on top of the Dutchman’s loan arrival from Villarreal.