AS Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo would prefer to join Juventus instead of Tottenham Hotspur if he were to leave this summer, according to Italian news outlet Calcio Mercato.
Zaniolo’s future in Rome is clouded in uncertainty as of now, which has seen him get linked with a move elsewhere. Tottenham have reignited their interest in his signature alongside other suitors as well after Fabio Paratici recently travelled to Italy to discuss potential incomings and outgoings in north London.
Spurs will need to facilitate some sales before they can dip into the transfer market once again after making Djed Spence their sixth signing of this window. However, their major concern would be Zaniolo’s preference as he is looking to stay in Serie A instead of moving elsewhere right now.
Roma would prefer to sell Zaniolo to clubs outside Italy, unlike the attacking midfielder, who is planning to remain in familiar surroundings. As such, Juve have an edge in this pursuit at this moment, with AC Milan also being another potential interested party in this transfer race.
Our View
It has already been stated that we still have plans to sign a creative attacker (Evening Standard), which certainly fits into Zaniolo’s strengths. Jose Mourinho had largely converted him into a right-winger last season, but the Italian international’s primary position continues to be the number ten role.
Paulo Dybala recently joined the Giallorossi on a free transfer (Daily Mail), which puts into doubt what lies in store for Zaniolo moving forward. After all, Paulo is quite similar to him in terms of profile, and his arrival could spell trouble for the 23-year-old, who enjoyed a solid season last time around after recovering from two major injuries in recent years.
That being said, Mourinho’s side is demanding €50million in cash for Zaniolo either on a permanent deal or an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy for that same price. That is quite expensive indeed, and one may wonder whether we can make such an investment after the signings we have facilitated so far.
Fortunately for us, even with Zaniolo’s preference, the Bianconeri and Milan’s interests have cooled down for their respective reasons. Massimiliano Allegri’s team has already made significant investments in the market, and they believe Roma’s current valuation is far-fetched.
As for the Rossoneri, they are focusing their efforts on completing a move for Club Brugge ace Charles De Ketelaere paving the way for us to try our cards. Perhaps, this situation could force Zaniolo to choose us, although it is claimed that there is a possibility of an extension with his current contract expiring in 2024.
