As Roma have blasted Nicolò Zaniolo after the player asked not to be in the matchday squad at the weekend as Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur consider making a move in the transfer window.
The Reds are still in the market for a new wide attacker after missing out on Arnaut Danjuma, who is set to join Premier League rivals Everton. Earlier this month the club were linked with the Italian, who can play as an attacking midfielder or winger.
Reports in Italy suggest that Roma want €30million (£26m) for the 23-year-old, but are open to a loan deal with an obligation to buy. Roma do not want conditions attached to the clause, however, such as Forest staying up or Spurs qualifying for the Uefa Champions League, according to Gazzetta dello Sport via SportWitness.
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Recent developments could see Zaniolo make a swift exit, though, with the club worried about the player's transfer value decreasing. Club director Tiago Pinto was critical of the former Inter Milan man, who also missed a Coppa Italia match in midweek, for asking not to play in the 2-0 win over Spezia on Sunday.
“All of us in football know there are two different seasons, one where the transfer market is closed and we can all relax a bit more, another when the transfer window is open and someone tries to put individual interests in front of those of the collective,” Pinto said, as quoted by Football Italia.
“Unfortunately, it is not the first time this has happened. Today all those who are here have the desire and motivation to fight for Roma and bring the three points home.
“I might’ve made many mistakes, but from my first day at Roma to my last, the collective needs and interests of Roma will always come first.”
Despite his strong condemnation Pinto suggests the club is open to holding onto Zaniolo beyond deadline day and from that point "there will be a united, strong Roma with clear objectives in mind”.
Forest face tough competition to sign the wantaway attacker, with Tottenham the player's "favourite destination" for a potential January move according to Gazzetta. Corriere dello Sport claim that the London outfit are the "only team" that could convince Roma to part ways with their star player.
Meanwhile, AC Milan are also interested in signing Zaniolo, with both Tuttosport and Sky Italia linking the Rossoneri with a move.
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