Tottenham Hotspur are reluctant to abandon their pursuit of Roma forward Nicolo Zaniolo, though the deal remains complicated. According to Calciomercato, Spurs have already initiated talks with their Serie A counterparts to discuss the youngster’s future.
Tottenham have already submitted a €55m bid for Zaniolo, including unnamed counterparts. But their offer has failed to impress Roma, particularly their manager Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho is ready to fight tooth and nail to prevent his former employers from taking Zaniolo away from Roma. The Special One holds a grudge against Spurs after being relieved of his duties less than two years into his north London adventure in 2021.
On top of that, Mourinho finds Zaniolo indispensable despite acquiring the services of Paulo Dybala in the summer. The 23-year-old, who arrived from Inter in 2018, is arguably one of the most exciting talents in Europe, and the Portuguese manager doesn’t want to lose him.
However, Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has other ideas. The ex-Inter tactician already brought in Richarlison in the summer to bolster his attacking options. But he is now looking to add strength in depth by luring Zaniolo to the Premier League.
Spurs will battle on multiple fronts this term after Conte navigated them back into the Champions League last season. Harry Kane and Son Heung-min are the household duo and have guaranteed starting berths, which could put the Roma starlet off.
Zaniolo’s contract at Roma runs out in 2024, meaning the Italians can maximise their profit by cutting him loose this summer. Yet, since Mourinho has no interest in doing business with Tottenham, the versatile forward could play another season at the Stadio Olimpico.