Negotiations between Udinese and Nicolò Zaniolo have reached an impasse regarding a new contract, according to reports from Italian sources. Udinese recently exercised their option to redeem Zaniolo from Galatasaray ten days ago, but the terms offered represent a significant pay cut for the 1999-born midfielder.
Zaniolo previously benefited from a substantial incentive payment from Galatasaray that brought his overall earnings to 2.7 million euros, but without a revised agreement with Udinese, he is now facing a potential salary of just 1.2 million euros per season over the next three years – less than half of his previous income. Club officials are currently working to find a compromise.
Should a positive resolution not be found, Zaniolo is prepared to explore opportunities with other clubs. The player enjoyed a relatively productive loan spell with Udinese last season, contributing goals and assists as they secured a mid-table finish in Serie A. His availability could attract interest from clubs both within Italy and abroad.
Elsewhere in Serie A, Cagliari have secured the signing of Alessandro Romano from Roma for a fee of 6.5 million euros, including bonuses. Romano is expected to undergo a medical today before signing a contract that will run until 2030. Cagliari are also reportedly pursuing Michael Aebischer from Pisa, while Gianluca Gaetano is a target for Atalanta in a deal worth 15 million euros. Atalanta are also in competition with Everton for Parma’s Mandela Keita.
Bologna are also reportedly advancing in their pursuit of Perr Koopmeiners from AZ Alkmaar. Fiorentina have completed the signing of Brazilian centre-back Viery from Gremio for 13 million euros plus bonuses, tying him to a contract until 2031. They are also interested in Burnley’s Luca Koleosho, with a potential transfer fee of 10 million euros, and Thorstvedt. Lazio are nearing an agreement to sign Jonathan Asp from Bayern Munich for 4 million euros plus a 40-50% sell-on clause.
Roma are continuing their efforts to sign Mason Greenwood from Marseille, while contract renewals for Paulo Dybala, Gianluca Mancini, Mehmet Celik, and Lorenzo Pellegrini are reportedly close to completion. Napoli are aiming to extend Antonio Vergara’s contract until 2031 to ward off interest from Como, Atalanta, and Bournemouth. Finally, Max Allegri is set to become the new manager of Napoli after reaching an agreement to leave AC Milan.
