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Juventus Transfers: Nicolo Zaniolo the priority target this summer

By James Cormack

LA SPEZIA, ITALY - FEBRUARY 27: Nicolò Zaniolo of AS Roma looks on during the Serie A match between Spezia Calcio and AS Roma at Stadio Alberto Picco on February 27, 2022 in La Spezia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
LA SPEZIA, ITALY - FEBRUARY 27: Nicolò Zaniolo of AS Roma looks on during the Serie A match between Spezia Calcio and AS Roma at Stadio Alberto Picco on February 27, 2022 in La Spezia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) /
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AS Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo isn’t poised to extend his contract with the Giallorossi and Juventus have identified the Italian international as a priority target this summer.

Zaniolo has rebounded this season after suffering back-to-back ACL injuries that massively thwarted his development. The 22-year-old has ten goal contributions this term and on Sunday, he won his side a last-minute penalty away at Spezia by bravely taking a blow to the face.

The versatile midfielder/forward has shown signs of returning to his best form under Jose Mourinho and Juventus are said to be keen on exploring a summer move for the player. Following the closure of the January transfer window, it was reported that the Bianconeri were monitoring Zaniolo’s situation in Rome.

AS Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo is a priority target for Juventus this summer

Zaniolo’s contract in the capital expires in 2024 and there are no signs of the Italian extending. Thus, Juve could view the 22-year-old as a potential replacement for Paulo Dybala.

La Joya, who recently suffered another injury setback, is yet to extend with the Old Lady and the latest reports suggest the club will offer the Argentine a less lucrative offer when talks re-commence in the coming weeks. Overall, there’s a very strong possibility that Dybala departs as a free agent in the summer.

So, Juve’s early proactivity in regards to a potential move for Zaniolo is understandable. The Italian, who was a boyhood Juventino, fuelled the fire at the weekend by liking several social media posts linked to Juve’s 3-2 victory over Empoli on Saturday evening.

La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Max Statman) wrote on Monday morning: “Zaniolo is currently the first goal of Juventus for the summer and the player will not renew with Roma anytime soon. Yesterday’s social media likes can be the first step in a long negotiation.”

Not even Roma’s general manager, Tiago Pinto, could guarantee that Zaniolo would be at the club beyond the summer. “Will Zaniolo for sure play for Roma next season? I can’t guarantee that and no one can,” he admitted.

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