Tottenham Hotspur want Nicolo Zaniolo and he allegedly pulled himself out of the Roma squad to face Spezia on Sunday as he seeks a move.
It just wouldn’t be a transfer window without Tottenham being linked with Zaniolo, would it?
Zaniolo is reaching Leandro Damiao levels in terms of being linked with a move to Tottenham on so many occasions.
This one does seem to be the most likely occasion though with Zaniolo seemingly pushing to leave Roma.
Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Zaniolo wants to join Tottenham and Spurs have offered a loan deal with a £26.5million purchase clause if they qualify for the Champions League.
Fabrizio Romano adds that Tottenham are willing to send a player to Roma in part-exchange for Zaniolo but no deal has been agreed just yet.
Tottenham target Nicolo Zaniolo pulls out of Roma game
Roma headed away to Spezia on Sunday afternoon, seeking a Serie A win to bolster their Champions League hopes.
However, Zaniolo wasn’t involved and it is now claimed that he asked to be left out of the squad.
Roma’s sporting director Tiago Pinto has been quoted by Football Italia as saying that Zaniolo put his personal interests ahead of the group.
Pinto implied to Zaniolo isn’t fighting for Roma at the moment but wouldn’t confirm whether he will be let go this month.
“All of us in football know there are two different seasons, one where the transfer market is closed and we can all relax a bit more, another when the transfer window is open and someone tries to put individual interests in front of those of the collective,” said Pinto.
“Unfortunately, it is not the first time this has happened. Today all those who are here have the desire and motivation to fight for Roma and bring the three points home. I might’ve made many mistakes, but from my first day at Roma to my last, the collective needs and interests of Roma will always come first,” he added.
Zaniolo, 23, has endured a tricky campaign this season, registering just one goal and no assists in 13 Serie A games.
Zaniolo may well feel that the time is right to move on and have a fresh start elsewhere.
Tottenham, seeking a player who can offer creativity either from an attacking midfield position or as competition for Dejan Kulusevski, make sense as a destination.
Spurs don’t seem willing to strike a permanent deal right now though, so there are some tough negotiations to come with Roma.
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