Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo has marked Tottenham Hotspur as his preferred destination for a January transfer. He also has interest at Leeds United, Leicester City and West Ham United.
That is according to 90min, which reports the Whites, Foxes and Irons have all approached the Giallorossi to explore deals. But Zaniolo would prefer a transfer to Tottenham if the 23-year-old quits Roma. The Italy ace and his Serie A side are also both open to his departure.
Roma had tried to convince Zaniolo to stay at the Stadio Olimpico but they could not agree on a new contract. His existing £76k-a-week deal will expire in 2024, so the Giallorossi now hope to cash in. Claudio Vigorelli, who is Zaniolo’s agent, has told suitors of his availability.
Tottenham have long appreciated what Zaniolo could offer in north London and sought his transfer from Roma last summer. Antonio Conte and managing director Fabio Paratici saw the Massa-born maestro as one of their top off-season targets as both are huge admirers.
Spurs even came close to securing a loan move only for Jose Mourinho to step in and block Zaniolo’s exit. Now, though, Roma will sell the 11-cap attacker for just €30m (£26m) having demanded €50m (£44m) last summer. He can also move on loan with an obligation to buy.
Tottenham are already in talks with Roma over a transfer for Nicolo Zaniolo
Tottenham are now ready to relaunch their interest in Zaniolo’s transfer from Roma with a loan-to-buy deal. Paratici has also already reached out to the Stadio Olimpico hierarchy to begin negotiations. He wants to beat Leeds, Leicester, West Ham and all European suitors.
Borussia Dortmund are exploring Zaniolo’s transfer to the Bundesliga as Westfalenstadion chiefs are aware of his availability. The 23-year-old has not enjoyed a great season so far in Mourinho’s plans. But he has previously shown his ability to create problems in the attack.
Zaniolo has just two goals and three assists over 17 appearances across all competitions so far this season. Yet he offered Mourinho eight goals and nine assists in 42 games last term. The attacking midfielder, who can feature on the wings, has two goals in 11 caps with Italy.
Former England coach Fabio Capello also admires the potential that Zaniolo possesses. He told Corriere dello Sport in 2021: “Zaniolo must start from the wing, unleash all his physical strength, as [Dejan] Savicevic did in my [AC] Milan [side].
“The comparison between the two does not seem risky to me. As long as Zaniolo clearly returns to what he was before the [two anterior cruciate ligament] injuries. He, too, has some strokes of class and genius like Dejan.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
