Real Madrid target Zaniolo in talks with Juventus
Juventus have been the first club to make a move for Roma's talented 19-year-old, who however remains open to offers from other clubs.
The spectacular breakthrough season of 19-year-old Nicolò Zaniolo has piqued the interest of several of Europe’s top clubs, including Real Madrid.
But AS has learned that the Roma midfielder has begun talks with Juventus, who have been the only club to so far make an official move to sign him.
In his first season in Serie A, Zaniolo has played 29 games, scoring five goals and providing two assists. And his impressive performances have drawn the attention of Real Madrid, who have been following the young Italian since Los Blancos’ 2-0 victory over Roma in the closing end of the Champions League group stages.
In February the Spanish club sent its observers to watch him in both legs of Roma’s Champions League last-16 tie with Porto. In the first leg in Rome, the 19-year-old netted twice in the 2-1 victory, becoming the youngest ever Italian to score a two goals in a Champions League game.
Zaniolo waiting to hear other offers
Despite already being in talks with Juve, Zaniolo is keeping himself open to prospective offers from other clubs, which would allow Real Madrid to make a swoop for him should they so desire.
The young midfielder joined Roma from Inter for 4.5 million euros last summer, after having never made the break into the Milan club’s first team. In September he received his first call up to the Italian senior team before he had even made his Serie A debut, and featured in both of the Azzurri’s fixtures against Finland and Lichenstein.