Report: Tottenham's move for 'genius' player stalls, he doesn't want to join them this summer

By Sam Preston

Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo has told Tottenham he does not want to join them this summer and would rather move to Juventus, according to 90Min.

It had been reported that Fabio Paratici had started talks over bringing the midfielder to north London this summer.

He is Antonio Conte’s dream Tottenham signing, according to reports from Italy last season, but it seems it will not be happening.

But it seems that a stay in Italy is more appealing, where he could switch from working with a former Spurs boss in Jose Mourinho to one of Conte’s old employers in Juventus.

Zaniolo prefers Juventus to Tottenham

That means that talks have stalled between the two clubs and it remains to be seen if Juventus steal in and take advantage.

In April, Liverpool were also credited with an interest in Zaniolo, but they seem set to wait a year before improving their midfield options.

Zaniolo – who was lauded as a ‘genius‘ – is one of the best attacking midfield talents in Italy and he would certainly bring class to any new club he joins.

Tottenham have already bolstered their midfield with the signing of Yves Bissouma from Brighton, which looks like a smart bit of business.

It seems a huge chunk of their transfer budget could be about to go on a new forward, with Richarlison the number one target.

Their squad improvement drive shows no sign of slowing down but it seems Zaniolo will not be forming part of it, even though he could be set for pastures new.