La Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Corriere dello Sport newspapers analyse the situation of Nicolò Zaniolo on and off the pitch with growing rumours that Juventus are ready to sign the Roma starlet in the summer.
The 22-year-old fueled transfer speculations on Saturday night following Juventus’ 3-2 win against Empoli. He liked Instagram posts of his compatriots Leonardo Bonucci and Manuel Locatelli and the one of new Bianconeri star Dusan Vlahovic who had netted a brace in Tuscany.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Zaniolo was disappointed because he had been informed that he would start the game against Spezia on the bench. Zaniolo was born and raised in the Ligurian town and hoped to play from minute one against Thiago Motta’s side.
On the other hand, Mourinho was not happy that Zaniolo ‘hadn’t gritted his teeth’ for the previous match with Hellas Verona, going clubbing after the match. Zaniolo was introduced in the second half and earned a crucial late penalty converted by Tammy Abraham.
Growing reports suggest that Juventus are ready to make their move for the 22-year-old at the end of the season, but according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma value their star at €80m ‘as much as Dusan Vlahovic.’ Zaniolo’s agent has yet to schedule a new meeting to discuss his client’s contract extension and talks between the two parties have led nowhere so far. With his contract expiring in June 2024, next summer will be crucial to know Zaniolo’s future.
Watch: Zaniolo insulted and threatened at his sister’s school
As per Il Corriere dello Sport, the Italy international ‘has his heart set on Roma’ and is not considering leaving the Stadio Olimpico. He would be happy to sign a contract extension with a pay rise and, likewise, the club are not planning to sell. However, if they don’t reach an agreement in the next few months and receive a suitable offer leading to Zaniolo’s exit in the summer, the player’s departure would be a decision taken ‘by mutual consent.’
#Zaniolo vuole rinnovare: il suo cuore batte per la #Roma https://t.co/10jBqvIIaf
— Corriere dello Sport (@CorSport) March 1, 2022