In the January transfer window, Tottenham were linked with a move to sign AS Roma playmaker Nicolo Zaniolo. The Italian had fallen out of favour under Jose Mourinho this season and was the subject of interest away from the club.
Reports from Italy had claimed that Zaniolo was interested in joining Antonio Conte's side after Spurs failed with a move in the summer to sign him. The midfielder remained part of Mourinho's plans for the first half of the season but managed only one goal contribution in 13 league appearances after suffering with a continuous shoulder problem.
Last month, Tottenham were said to be back in for the 23-year-old and it was claimed that a move to north London was tempting Zaniolo. However, a move never materialised and he signed for Galatasaray last week.
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The Italy international joins up with a number of familiar faces in Mauro Icardi and former Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira. He signed a four-and-a-half year deal in Turkey, with Roma receiving €16.5million (£14.5m).
It's a move that may leave Tottenham regretting their decision, with Zaniolo playing a starring role in Roma winning their first-ever major European trophy last season. Following the recent injuries to Rodrigo Bentancur and Yvess Bissouma, Conte could really do with much-needed reinforcement in midfield.
However, speaking to CorSport, Zaniolo's mother has explained why a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium never came about. “He was ready to reduce his salary to join Tottenham or AC Milan, but both clubs didn’t find an agreement with Roma," she said.
“Bournemouth have never offered €5m net per season salary, the real proposal was less than this."
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