AFC Bournemouth are now set to miss out on a transfer for AS Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo in January. The West Ham United target made some incredible demands to join the Cherries.
That is according to Calciomercato, which reports Zaniolo is now likely set to stay at Roma beyond the winter window. West Ham have begun circling for his services as David Moyes has lost Gianluca Scamacca to an injury. But the Irons are yet to rival Bournemouth’s offer.
Bournemouth have agreed on terms with Roma for Zaniolo to transfer to Dean Court over the final days of the market. Yet the Cherries have not convinced the 23-year-old to move from Serie A to the Premier League. They even met his agent, Claudio Vigorelli, this Friday.
Cherries chiefs informed Vigorelli that they were willing to pay Zaniolo €5m-a-year (£85k-a/w) to secure his signature. The club felt their proposal was more than enough to tempt the Massa-born maestro. Yet he replied by demanding a €7m-a-year (£118k-a/w) contract.
Zaniolo also told Bournemouth that he would want a €25m (£22m) release clause to move to the English south coast. The clause would be dependent on the Cherries failing to avoid relegation from the Premier League this season or in the event of a bid from a Serie A side.
West Ham are monitoring Bournemouth’s talks with Roma over Zaniolo’s transfer
Bournemouth flat-out refused Zaniolo’s requests for a lavish salary and a release clause to seal his transfer from Roma. It will now take a sensational twist for the 11-cap Italy star to leave the Stadio Olimpico this month. The Giallorossi do not expect any further proposals.
West Ham have only been monitoring Zaniolo’s availability whilst Bournemouth discussed his transfer with Roma and the forward’s agent. Moyes admires what the midfielder-cum-winger could offer in east London as the Irons battle with the Cherries to avoid relegation.
Zaniolo – whom Roma and Italy legend Daniele De Rossi calls ‘incredible’ – has scored two and assisted three goals this term. But he has also amassed six yellow cards through his 17 games. He received 14 cautions over 42 games last term, plus eight goals and nine assists.
Bournemouth admire the attacking influence Zaniolo gives Roma to chase his transfer with West Ham also keen. Yet he is unlikely to join the Cherries, from whom TuttoMercatoWEB reports Roma had accepted a €28m (£24.5m), rising to €35m (£30.5m) after add-ons, bid.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
