Roma will soon hold a summit to discuss their summer transfer plans with Nicolo Zaniolo a topic for dialogue amid a reported approach by Liverpool, according to TuttoMercatoWEB.
General manager Tiago Pinto wants to gather the Giallorossi hierarchy in coming weeks to begin outlining strategies for the off-season. There is a feeling at the Stadio Olimpico that the Serie A side will have to make at least two profitable sales to reinvest any of the funds.
Zaniolo and Jordan Veretout are considered the most likely candidates to fall victim of Jose Mourinho’s axe in the summer. Roma believe the former could fetch at least €40m (£32m) on the open market, and will be reluctant to lower their valuation at all beyond that figure.
Pinto has not yet ruled out Roma retaining Zaniolo this summer, either, as the Rome outfit still believe in renewing his contract. The winger’s existing terms are due to expire in 2024, having not extended his deal since the Italy international’s first season at the club in 2019.
So, Roma are yet to ask their scouts to begin discovering potential heirs for Zaniolo. They are also yet to ask agents to begin proposing stars who are potentially available this year.
The Giallorossi will now use their upcoming summit to decide on selling Zaniolo or giving him a new contract. They will also seek clarity from Mourinho on which sort of player he wants to replace the eight-cap star, either a direct successor or one with alternative skills.
Roma yet to tell agents to find Zaniolo heir after Liverpool launch approach
With Roma yet to tell agents and scouts to find Zaniolo’s heir, it suggest Liverpool’s recent transfer approach fell flat. Roma Live recently reported the Reds, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United had approached the Serie A side to sound out the winger’s availability.
Zaniolo has not been a mainstay in Mourinho’s plans so far this season and fans booed his performance in their Europa Conference League tie with Vitesse Arnhem last week. He was then an unused substitute in the Rome derby with Lazio on Sunday, which Roma won 3-0.
He has been a sporadic creative presence when Zaniolo has played, however. The Massa-born maestro has eight assists and four goals over 33 appearances across all competitions. But he also has 11 yellow cards, a straight red and was shown two cautions in one match.
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