Tottenham up to old tricks with laughably low offer for prime remaining target Nicolo Zaniolo

Tottenham Hotspur have fallen well short with an offer for Roma attacker Nicolo Zaniolo, according to a report.

Zaniolo is one of Tottenham’s main targets for the remainder of the summer transfer window. It has already been a busy market for Antonio Conte’s side, but the demanding manager wants more.

Specifically, he has turned back to his native Italy to task Fabio Paratici with exploring a deal for Zaniolo. The Roma star capped off his return to fitness in 2021-22 by scoring the winning goal in the Europa Conference League final.

With two years left on his contract, there has been some speculation about what happens next for Zaniolo. Tottenham have been heavily linked with him and now appear to be firming up their interest.

According to The Times, Spurs have submitted a bid for the Italy international. They have proposed a loan deal with an obligation to buy for £20million.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Roma have already rejected the offer. The fee of £20m falls well below their valuation of Zaniolo, even if it would be in relation to when there would be one year left on his contract.

Prior to suffering ACL injuries in both his knees, Zaniolo was one of Europe’s most promising talents. Last season, he got back to regular gametime, becoming a supporting striker next to Tammy Abraham.

Although he wasn’t as exciting as he had been before his injuries, there were still promising signs. His impact in a European final – Roma’s first success in a UEFA tournament – only emphasised that his potential remains.

Hence, the Giallorossi would not be giving the 23-year-old up lightly.

The news has been backed up by 90min, who say Spurs offered a loan with an option to buy for €25million (£21.1million), with €10million (£8.4million) in add-ons. Hence, the package would come to a total of around £29.5million (at the present exchange rate).

Even with the bonuses included, Tottenham’s offer is nowhere near Roma’s valuation of Zaniolo. In the Italian capital, he is deemed to be worth at least €50million (£42.2million).

Roma right to hold out for premium Nicolo Zaniolo sum

If Tottenham genuinely thought they could get Zaniolo for less than £30million, their optimism was misplaced.

Zaniolo is a burgeoning talent still, whose sharpness will only increase the more he plays. At Roma, he could still have a key role to play despite the arrival of Paulo Dybala; indeed, in their last pre-season friendly, both started.

In contrast, at Tottenham, it is debatable if he would start regularly. Despite his talent – and traits that would seemingly suit the Premier League – Spurs already have Harry Kane and Son Heung-min in attack.

They have also invested a hefty sum in signing Richarlison. It is perhaps why they wanted a more economical deal for Zaniolo. But the value of their opening offer has rightly been met with derision in Rome.

Now, Paratici and company will have to decide whether to up their offer. The start of the Serie A season is approaching, while the Premier League is already underway.

There are a few more weeks to determine where Zaniolo will be spending the rest of 2022 at least.

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