AFC Bournemouth are meeting the agent of Nicolo Zaniolo on Friday to convince the Roma ace to join. He is a transfer target of Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle and West Ham United.
That is according to Calciomercato, which reports Roma are happy to accept the offer from Bournemouth for Zaniolo. But the Cherries are struggling to convince the 23-year-old to go to Dean Court. Even though he accepts his route away from the Giallorossi is nearly empty.
AC Milan were pushing for a deal with Roma but have pulled back and are no longer a firm rival. Instead, the Cherries are Zaniolo’s best and almost sole choice for a future away from the Stadio Olimpico in January. Yet their status in the Premier League is proving a problem.
Zaniolo is still reluctant to join Bournemouth as they are fighting to avoid relegation to the Championship under Gary O’Neil. Roma have accepted the Cherries’ bid worth up to €35m (£31m) and a 10% sell-on clause. They have also offered the Italian €5m-a-year (£85k-a/w).
Bournemouth have now sent club chiefs to Rome to meet with Zaniolo’s agent and discuss a transfer from Roma. The English south coast side feel they can convince the Massa-born maestro that he can relaunch his career at Dean Court and help them secure their survival.
Suitors remain in the distance as Bournemouth eye Zaniolo’s transfer from Roma
Reports by Calciomercato on Thursday noted that Zaniolo had turned down any transfer to Bournemouth in favour of AC Milan. Even though the Cherries had offered him a €4.5m-a-year (£76k-a/w) contract. While the Rossoneri would only pay him €3m-a-year (£51k-a/w).
Additionally, TuttoMercatoWEB reported that Roma had accepted a €28m (£24.5m), rising up to €35m (£31m) after add-ons, bid from Bournemouth. But his heart was set on moving to San Siro as they sought his services. However, that route has now vanished this January.
So, Zaniolo may be stuck at Roma if he continues to reject a transfer to Bournemouth after their improved proposal. Tottenham hold an interest in his signature despite hiring Arnaut Danjuma, per Dharmesh Sheth. But the Cherries are his sole realistic destination right now.
Even though Media Foot claim that Newcastle, West Ham and Ligue 1 side Lyon also retain an interest in Zaniolo. He has only offered two goals and three assists through 17 games in all competitions so far this season. But the 11-cap star hit eight and created nine last term.
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