RB Leipzig are considering signing Italy international Nicoló Zaniolo from AS Roma. That reports the picture.
The midfield star could replace Dani Olmo, who picked up a muscle injury a few days ago and will be out for a long time. For his part, Zaniolo is willing to change.
The 23-year-old recently tried to force a departure from Roma, angering both coach José Mourinho and the fans. According to Calciomercato Immediately after the Giallorossi’s 2-1 defeat by Napoli on Sunday, a group of Roma ultras gathered outside Zaniolo’s house in Rome’s Casal Palocco district and chanted: “S**t! If we lost it’s your fault. Get lost!”
The Italian attacker was allegedly chased away by angry fans and called the police for help. Officers were reportedly dispatched to the scene and the Ultras quickly dispersed, leaving a shaken Zaniolo with his father.
Zaniolo not only wanted to push through a change, but also rejected a concrete offer from Premier League club AFC Bournemouth, according to media reports. Accordingly, the Italians have already agreed with the Cherries on a 30 million deal plus bonus payments.
Nicolò Zaniolo falls out of favor with Roma fans
A banner followed at the capitals’ training ground asking Zaniolo to leave Roma. It read: “Away from Trigoria, men of little worth, cowards and profiteers… Unconditional support only for those who respect our colors! Roma.”
Leipzig, on the other hand, will have to wait a few more weeks for Christopher Nkunku to make a comeback, and Dani Olmo will also be missing for the time being with a torn muscle fiber. On the offensive, there are only as many players available for the four positions with Dominik Szoboszlai, Timo Werner, André Silva, Yussuf Poulsen and Emil Forsberg.
José Mourinho was clear about the situation surrounding Zaniolo, saying: “He told me, the club and his team-mates that he didn’t want to play for Roma anymore. He said he didn’t want to come back and play with the team, he doesn’t want to train with the team”.
The 60-year-old Portuguese went on to add: “After the Spezia game I said I thought he would stay and now I’m going to say that unfortunately it looks like that’s really going to happen. If you want to know the details, I won’t tell them. The focus now is on the next game and for me as a coach on who wants to fight with me for this club and these fans.”
