Newcastle United and Arsenal transfer target ‘on the market’ as valuation revealed

Newcastle United are yet to make their first signing of the January transfer window
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Roma have put Nicolo Zaniolo on the transfer market after the two parties failed to come to an agreement during contract negotiations, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The Italian giants were previously eager to tie the midfielder down to a new deal ahead of his contract expiry in the summer.

The news comes days after reports from Italy claimed that Newcastle United had joined the race to sign Zaniolo alongside West Ham and Nottingham Forest. It was revealed that the Magpies were ready to invest a ‘significant amount’ in luring the 23-year-old to England but that a move this month was previously ‘inconcievable’. However, it is now believed that Zaniolo has demanded to be sold as soon as possible and Eddie Howe’s side could now be set on high alert.

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Zaniolo has been an ever-present figure in Roma’s team since joining from Inter Milan in 2018 and has featured heavily this season since recovering from a shoulder injury in September. The Italian’s stellar performances raised his market value to around €50 million in recent seasons and it is reported that Roma will still demand between €35m and €40m - despite only six months remaining on his contract.

With Newcastle open to splashing the cash on the midfielder this month, they certainly won’t be phased by his price tag and could have an advantage over other interest parties. However, with Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal also recently linked with Zaniolo, they will have tough competition in their pursuit. In fact, Sky Sports have reported that Antonio Conte’s side have already made their first move and have had an initial offer turned down, which was reported to be a loan bid with an obligation to buy.

Newcastle’s only issue may be that they can’t guarantee European football to Zaniolo, however they surely remain ahead of the likes of West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Leeds United in the chase for the 23-year-old.

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