Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for Nicolo Zaniolo for months now.
The 23-year-old Italian international was reportedly on the radar of Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici since the start of the season.
Unsurprisingly, the former Roma midfielder was linked with a move to the London club during the January transfer window as well. Apparently, Tottenham wanted to sign the player on loan with an option to buy.
However, Roma were not pleased with their offer and the player ended up completing a permanent move to Galatasaray last month for £18 million.
The 23-year-old’s mother has now admitted that Zaniolo was keen on a move to Tottenham during the January transfer window and he would have happily reduced his salary in order to push through a move.
She added that Tottenham failed to find an agreement with Roma and that is why the transfer never materialised.
She said (h/t Sportwitness): “I want to clarify one aspect: Nicolò would have reduced his salary, or would have asked for the same money as Roma, for Milan or Tottenham. But those clubs have not found an agreement with the Giallorossi club.”
Zaniolo is highly rated around Italy but his development has stalled because of persistent injury problems. It remains to be seen whether the attacking midfielder can get his career back on track with regular football in Turkey now.
The midfielder is still young enough to secure a big move in the future if he manages to impress at Galatasaray in the coming seasons.
Spurs could certainly use a player like him on their side now. The likes of Harry Kane would benefit from having a player creating chances for the team from the central areas. Zaniolo is versatile enough to operate as a winger as well.