Roma have rejected an approach from Tottenham for Nicolo Zaniolo, it has been reported.
Tottenham, who are looking to bolster their options in the final few weeks of the season after a busy summer, will reportedly look to bring Zaniolo in as they offload the Argentinian Giovani Lo Celso.
According to The Times, Tottenham stepped up their pursuit of the Italy international by submitting a loan offer with an obligation to buy of £20m. This is said to have been rejected by Roma.
Zaniolo is one of the most highly-rated players in Serie A at present and it is likely that it will take considerably more for the north London club to prize him away from the Italian capital.
The club will reportedly try to broker a permanent deal for Lo Celso with Villarreal, where he spent the second half of last season on loan. The Spanish club are said to favour another loan deal.
Despite having been plagued by some quite serious injury troubles in recent years, including an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January 2020, the attacking midfielder impressed last term and capped his season off by scoring the winning goal in the inaugural final of the Europa Conference League as Roma beat Feyenoord.
His importance to Roma is undeniable, but with the player having not agreed a new deal to extend his stay beyond 2024 attentions in Rome appear to have turned to listening to offers for the player.
It was reported earlier this month that Roma would listen to offers above £42m, with Juventus having previously been considered favourites for his signature.
However, the Bianconeri’s interest is said to have cooled in recent weeks giving Tottenham the chance to steal in to secure the 23-year-old.
It has also been suggested that Roma’s recent acquisition of Paulo Dybala on a free transfer from Juventus could spell a change in Zaniolo’s continued presence in the Giallorossi side.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are on the verge of securing the highly-rated 19-year-old Destiny Udogie from Udinese.
Defender Udogie has agreed in principle to join Tottenham for £21million including add-ons this summer.
Udogie, who has been tipped for a call-up to the senior Italy squad having already played for the Under 21s, is regarded as a long-term investment for Spurs.
Therefore, the Premier League giants have decided to send the 19-year-old starlet back to Serie A on loan for the 2022-23 season.
