Tottenham to make incredible Nicolo Zaniolo swap deal, incensing Roma chief: report

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Tottenham target Nicolo Zaniolo is forcing a move to north London, with one Roma director slamming the attacker for his behaviour

Tottenham target Nicolo Zaniolo during the Italy Cup football match between AS Roma and Genoa CFC. Roma won 1-0 over Genoa.
(Image credit: Andrea Staccioli/Insidefoto/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Tottenham want Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo in north London – and it's caused quite a stir in the Eternal City.

The Italian attacker who netted the winner for La Lupa's Europa Conference League win last season has been high on the priority list for a Tottenham Hotspur side who have lacked creativity and cutting edge this season. Zaniolo pulled out of Roma's squad for the game against Spezia at the weekend, reportedly handing in a transfer request amidst interest from the Premier League.

The 23-year-old only signed an extension to his deal last summer per Calciomercato, however, seemingly ending exit speculation. Now, it's angered those in Rome who claim he's putting his own desires above Jose Mourinho's team.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur at Vitality Stadium on October 29, 2022 in Bournemouth, England.

Antonio Conte's time as Inter Milan manager never coincided with Zaniolo's time at the San Siro, with the player leaving before the manager arrived (Image credit: Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

“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,” Giallorossi director Tiago Pinto told DAZN, via 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.”

Tottenham are pursuing a swap deal involving Bryan Gil, according to Football Insider – while Roma would prefer £30 million upfront to their mesmeric attacker. 

Tottenham star Bryan Gil

Bryan Gil could be on the way to Roma in exchange for Nicolo Zaniolo (Image credit: Getty)

Gil actually joined Tottenham in a swap deal, swapping Sevilla for the Lilywhites in a transfer that saw Erik Lamela head in the opposite direction.

Zaniolo is valued at €30m by Transfermarkt. 

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Three England stars are on the radar for Spurs. Tottenham have been linked with a shock swoop for Harry Maguire, who could leave Manchester United this year. James Maddison could be about to leave Leicester, meanwhile, according to their manager Brendan Rodgers. Jordan Pickford has also been touted for a transfer. 

Piero Hincapie is being linked with a big summer move and Pedro Porro could be on his way. In terms of outgoings, however, the big rumours are linking Harry Kane with an exit – this time to Real Madrid. 

In other news, there have been rumours recently that PSG's Qatari ownership are interested in investing in Spurs. 

Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.