Tottenham are reportedly interested in signing Roma starlet Nicolò Zaniolo as talks to extend his contract with Roma have been put on hold.
Zaniolo’s current deal at the Stadio Olimpico expires in June 2024, but according to Calciomercato.com, negotiations with his entourage regarding a new deal have reached an impasse.
Roma wanted to extend his contract until 2025, but there have not been developments over the last few months, so Juventus and Tottenham are keeping a close eye on the former Inter and Fiorentina.
Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte are long-time admirers of Zaniolo and Tottenham are reportedly ready to open talks with Roma, should the Serie A side fail to reach an agreement over Zaniolo’s extension.
However, the Giallorossi are not planning to sell the Italian anytime soon.
Zaniolo is no longer a regular starter under José Mourinho as the Special One has swapped to a 3-4-1-2 line-up where Lorenzo Pellegrini is often deployed as an attacking midfielder.
Zaniolo played the first few games of the season as a left-winger, but according to a report of Il Corriere dello Sport this week, the 22-year-old doesn’t enjoy playing out wide.
The 22-year-old started Thursday’s Conference League match against Zorya, scoring the second goal of his campaign.
At the end of the match, Mourinho praised the Italy international: “He was on the bench against Venezia because he had fitness problems and didn’t train that week,” the Special One said.
“The second time I was thinking he had never played with me in this system, so I thought Eldor Shomurodov was more accustomed to it and then Felix did really well.
“As I said before the game, I don’t expect Zaniolo on his own to do things, I expect him to be part of the team and deliver. I liked the way he played and also his attitude.
“Zaniolo has great potential, but also a great deal to learn in terms of tactics and the stability of his attitude on the field. He has these ups and downs in terms of confidence. I feel the best players keep going even when things aren’t working, must keep that trust in his talent.”