Nicolo Zaniolo: Arsenal get emphatic Roma response amid transfer rumours

Stuart Telford

• 17 Dec 2022 14:03 CST
• 3 min read

Arsenal are interested in Roma and Italy winger Nicolo Zaniolo and now his agent Claudio Vigorelli has spoken out about the player's future…

Arsenal plan to go shopping in the January transfer window as they look to secure their position at the top of the Premier League table.

The Gunners took a five-point lead over champions Manchester City into the winter break, although one of their star players signed from City, Gabriel Jesus, has since been struck down by a knee injury.

READ: Arsenal target Mudryk wanted by multiple Premier League clubs

Mikel Arteta's first choice for a reinforcement in the final third is Mykhailo Mudryk, but Shakhtar Donestk are understood to be wanting a fee of around €46 million to part with their winger - nicknamed the "Ukrainian Neymar" - after his starring performances in the Champions League this season.

Zaniolo could be a cheaper alternative. Currently rated at €13.6m by Football Transfers' in-house algorithm, the 23-year-old is out of contract in the summer of 2024 and Roma are yet to tie him down to a longer-term deal.

'Talk about renewal later'

"We have an excellent relationship with Roma and with [General Manager] Tiago Pinto and we agree that at this point we will talk about the renewal later, when the management deems it appropriate," Vigorelli told Italian station Radio Radio.

READ: Inter Milan’s 10 biggest transfer sale mistakes

"Now the most important thing is to focus on the work and performance to be done on the pitch.

Arsenal aren't the only team keeping tabs on Zaniolo, with Juventus and AC Milan also interests, the latter particularly keen should they lose Portugal winger Rafa Leao to Chelsea in the coming months.

Zaniolo joined Roma from Inter Milan for just €4.5m in July 2018 and has since racked up 125 appearances with the Giallorossi, scoring 24 goals alongside 18 assists as well as winning the Europa Conference League under Jose Mourinho in March.