Both Milan and Tottenham are interested in Nicolò Zaniolo, but neither club has reached an agreement with the Giallorossi, while José Mourinho believes the Italy international will remain at the club until the end of the season.
The Rossoneri and Spurs have sounded out Zaniolo after the 23-year-old refused to be included in Roma‘s squad for their away match at Spezia last weekend.
“He said he wants to leave. But that doesn’t mean he will leave,” said Mourinho after a 2-0 win at the Stadio Picco.
“I say this because he is an important player and has an important value on the transfer market. The offers on the table are unworthy of him or the club. There’s nothing out there. This is why it is my sensation he will be here in February.”
The Special One has defended Zaniolo this season despite criticism from fans and club legends, including Francesco Totti and Vincent Candela.
“I play whoever deserves it. Every now and then, some injustice must be done, as today there were people on the bench who deserved to play, but I always try to do what is best for the squad. If Nicolò is still with us, he will be an extra player to have,” continued Mourinho after Roma’s win over Spezia.
But how much do Roma want to sell the ex-Inter and Fiorentina striker?
Reports in Italy claim the Giallorossi seek a permanent €40m sale, but neither Milan nor Tottenham have offered as much.
Both clubs are interested in a loan deal with an option to buy, the Giallorossi could agree to loan the player out, but want an obligation to buy.
Spurs’ offer comes with an obligation to buy if they qualify for the Champions League, which is still not enough for Roma. On the other hand, Milan wouldn’t spend more than €22-25m to buy the player permanently next summer. Therefore, more clubs are having issues reaching an agreement with Roma.
According to the latest reports in Italy, the Italian striker prefers a move to Milan over Tottenham.
Zaniolo’s contract expires in June 2024 and his agent released the latest update in December saying that he was ready to sit down with the Giallorossi. He said that he would demand a salary in line with the player’s valuation, but this seems to be a remote scenario now that the player has asked to leave.
Roma director Tiago Pinto was quite critical of Zaniolo over the weekend, saying that he “put his individual interest in front of those of the collective.”