Juventus and Milan could go head-to-head for Nicolo Zaniolo in the summer transfer window should contract talks with Roma come a cropper. According to Calciomercato, both sides are keeping close tabs on the Italian forward’s situation in the nation’s capital as the Giallorossi look to extend his deal.
Zaniolo has two more years left to run on his current contract at the Stadio Olimpico. Roma are hopeful of tying him down to a new one by offering an improved deal. The 22-year-old currently earns €2.5m per year, but Jose Mourinho’s side look ready to bolster his salary.
Despite carrying a reputation as one of Italy’s finest talents, Zaniolo’s development has been hindered by a couple of long-term injuries. Yet, he made himself available in time to score Roma’s winning goal in the inaugural edition of the Europa Conference League.
His goal in the Albanian showpiece handed Roma their first-ever piece of European silverware. More importantly, it cemented Zaniolo’s place in Mourinho’s starting line-up. The Giallorossi are now keen to reward him with a new contract.
Even if Roma’s efforts to extend Zaniolo’s stay in Rome fail to come to fruition, the versatile forward could remain in Serie A. Indeed, Juventus and Milan are both vying for the former Inter starlet, with the Bianconeri particularly interested in taking him to Turin.
Juventus and Paulo Dybala will part ways after seven years. The Argentine’s imminent departure on a free transfer threatens to leave a substantial void in Massimiliano Allegri’s frontline.
Considering Zaniolo is also left-footed, he could be a perfect long-term replacement for the ex-Palermo man. Watch out for Milan, even though the Rossoneri have other priorities at the moment.
The Rossoneri are fighting tooth and nail to keep hold of in-demand Rafael Leao. Once extension talks with the Portugal international are done, Milan could turn attention towards Zaniolo. But it could be too little, too late.
It is also worth noting that Inter will receive 15% of Zaniolo’s potential move away from Roma.