Juventus have identified AS Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo as a priority transfer target this summer and talks are in progress over a move.
It was revealed during the international break that Paulo Dybala will not be renewing his contract with the club, meaning he’ll depart on a free transfer this summer. His impending exit will leave a major creative void in the Bianconeri ranks; one that Juve will attempt to fill this summer by bringing in a replacement.
Serie A stars Zaniolo, Domenico Berardi and Giacomo Raspadori have all been linked with a summer move to Turin, but it’s Roma’s Zaniolo whom the Bianconeri appear to have their hearts set on.
Juventus have spoken to Nicolo Zaniolo’s agent over a potential summer transfer
Talks in progress for Nicolò #Zaniolo to #Juventus. The italian talent is a #Bianconeri's main target for the next season. If he doesn't extend his contract with #ASRoma (currently expires in 2024) until June, he could leave and #Juve have already met his agent twice. #transfers https://t.co/qGve5wFl4B
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) April 4, 2022
Juventus will be in the market for a new midfielder or two this summer, as well as a centre-back and left-back, but Nicolo Schira writes that the club regard Zaniolo as their “main” summer target.
The 22-year-old Italian has shown flashes of his pre-double ACL tear potential under Jose Mourinho this season, but he’s struggled to produce in recent weeks. He’s been comprehensively outshone by new arrival Tammy Abraham with his discipline persistently coming into question. Zaniolo has picked up almost three times as many cards (11) than goal contributions in Serie A (four) this season.
Thus, I have questioned the viability of the 22-year-old as Dybala’s replacement in Turin, especially if Roma demand top-dollar for his services in the summer.
Nevertheless, Juve are keen to push through with the move and while they’re yet to start negotiations with the Giallorossi, the club have twice met with Zaniolo’s agent to discuss a potential transfer.
La Gazzetta dello Sport (via @JuveFC) speculated on Tuesday that Juve could negotiate a deal akin to Manuel Locatelli’s last summer (loan with an obligation to buy) to bring Zaniolo to Turin.
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