On Thursday, multiple reports from Italy stated Tottenham Hotspur are the first candidate to sign Nicolò Zaniolo and AS Roma have opened the door to his transfer in the winter market.
Sky Italia back it up and add the Serie A side are asking €40m for the forward. They also detail the north London club’s offer.
Tottenham chief Fabio Paratici has been a ‘great admirer’ of the Italy international since his time at Juventus.
With José Mourinho’s side making Zaniolo available in the market, it is no coincidence that Spurs are in the picture and are the only team to have moved for him.
Antonio Conte’s side want to take the 23-year-old on loan with an option to buy or, at most, an obligation if they qualify for the Champions League and achieve other sporting objectives.
Roma are unwilling to accept this as they are looking for a sale or loan with an obligation to buy without any conditions attached.
Meanwhile, Alfredo Pedullà insists there is a ‘total break’ in the relationship between the Italian club and Zaniolo. There is no margin to repair this, just like there is no hope for a renewal right now.
The contacts will continue from Friday, to ‘try to close’ the transfer next week. Spurs are the ‘most interested club’ and could accept a loan with an obligation to buy which may reach €30m.
Mourinho’s side could either accept or demand more from Tottenham to sanction Zaniolo’s move. If they don’t, they risk letting the attacker enter his final year of contract next summer.
Alfredo Pedullà ends the report by stating: ‘It will be very hot days. Of course, we need an offer that convinces everyone.’
