Zaniolo's mother speaks on her son's transfer situation during the January transfer window.
The protracted transfer saga between Zaniolo and AS Roma ended with the player joining Turkish side Galatasaray for a reported €20 million fee, which is a record for the club.
Zaniolo was subject to interest from clubs in the European top five leagues, including AC Milan and Tottenham; however, neither side could manage to reach an agreement with Zaniolo's employers. The 23-year-old's mother has now revealed that he would have taken a pay cut to join either side.
Zaniolo's mother's statement
Zaniolo pushed for a move to leave Roma during the January transfer window, he did not leave in the month, but it was not for lack of suitors.
Tottenham from the Premier League and AC Milan in Seria A were the two biggest clubs interested; however, they did not manage to reach an agreement with the Gillarossi for the signing of Zaniolo.
The Italy international's mother, speaking to Corriere dello Sport, revealed that her son was keen for a move to either side and would have taken as much as he earned at Roma or even accepted a reduced pay to join either club, hinting it was not about money. Still, the deal did not happen because an agreement could not be had with Roma.
“I want to clarify one aspect: Nicolò would have reduced his salary, or would have asked for the same money as Roma, for a move to Milan or the Tottenham.
“But those clubs didn’t find an agreement with the Giallorossi."
What happened with Bournemouth
One club, other than Galatasaray, did manage to reach Roma's valuation: Bournemouth. However, upon reaching an agreement with the player, the Cherries could not get Zaniolo to agree, as the player turned down the move.
The player's mother has now revealed that they made an attempt to recontact Bournemouth to accept their offer, however, they had gone for another player at the time, Hamad Traore.
“At that point there was Bournemouth. It’s not true that they offered us five million a season. Subsequently, he accepted Bournemouth’s offer, but when we called them back they had already taken another player (Hamed Traore).”
Zaniolo is said to have a €35 million release clause in his contract with Galatasaray, and a move back to Europe's top five leagues could be on the cards in the not-so-distant future.
Related content
18:14 - 13.02.2023
PREMIER LEAGUE Tottenham barred from getting Lloris replacement
Tottenham will not be allowed to bring Ex-England international and in-vogue podcaster Ben Foster out of retirement
11:52 - 13.02.2023
PREMIER LEAGUE Tottenham lose Rodrigo Bentancur to ACL injury
Tottenham's Rodrigo Bentancur has been ruled out of the rest of the season
21:11 - 01.02.2023
SERIE A Zaniolo to lawyer up against AS Roma
The 23-year-old is set for a legal battle with the club after he refused to leave before the transfer window closed.
22:15 - 08.02.2023
OFFICIAL Zaniolo signs for Galatasaray
Zaniolo joins Galatasaray after spending three-and-a-half seasons with Roma.
11:12 - 31.01.2023
TRANSFERS Leeds join race for Nicolo Zaniolo
The Peacocks are set to battle fellow Premier League rivals Bournemouth in the race to sign the 23-year-old.
17:51 - 30.01.2023
TRANSFERS Sevilla join race to sign Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo
The Italy international could join the Spanish side before the transfer window shuts after asking to leave Roma.
20:56 - 28.01.2023
SERIE A No Zaniolo in Mourinho’s Roma team to face Napoli
The Italy international will play no part in Roma’s game for the foreseeable future, Mourinho has confirmed.