Juventus and Roma will have the first direct contact to set up the transfer of Nicolò Zaniolo later this week, either Wednesday or Thursday. The Old Lady has long admired the starlet, even when he was not for sale. The Giallorossi have set a considerable price tag. However, their resistance might not be too fierce since the extension talks have gone nowhere. His contract runs out in 2024.
As per Alfredo Pedullà, the Bianconeri are open to spending as high as €50M for the attacker. They will probably soon fill their coffers thanks to the sale of Matthijs De Ligt. The deal could go through with the formula of a loan with a robust initial fee and an obligation to buy.
While the cash-only solution is more likely, Roma and Juventus might agree to include some makeweights in the Zaniolo package. Arthur is a difficult option because of his rich wages. José Mourinho likes Denis Zakaria a lot, but he moved to Turin just six months ago. The Giallorossi are keen on young midfielder Filippo Ranocchia.
Despite rumors of PSG and Tottenham being on his trail, the forward seems uninterested in leaving Serie A. Milan are unlikely to spend that much on a single player, giving the Old Lady a clear pathway to get him. Roma would prefer not to drag the matter for too long either. They wish to spare some awkwardness during the pre-season preparation.
Our Take on Juventus and Roma Negotiating for Zaniolo
It is starting to look like one of those transfers where the Bianconeri start scattering breadcrumbs years in advance and eventually come collect. His upside remains fairly high, but whether such a conspicuous fee is warranted after his injury woes and a so-so season is debatable.