Galatasaray manager confirms club interest in ‘world class’ Zaniolo

Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has confirmed the club’s interest in wantaway AS Roma forward Nicolo Zaniolo.

The Turkish giants are currently locked in talks with the Italian club, looking for a solution to their difference in valuation to finalise a deal.

Zaniolo was linked with a move away from the Stadio Olimpico throughout the winter transfer window.

However, a move never materialised despite strong interest from Serie A and Premier League clubs.

The 23-year-old’s contract with the Giallorossi expires in 2024, and Roma are keen to cash in while the player’s stock is still high.

With the transfer window now closed across every major league in Europe, a move to Turkey could be on the cards, with Gala keen on his signature.

Speaking after their 2-1 win over reigning Turkish champions Trabzonspor, Gala manager Buruk labelled Zaniolo as a world-class player and insists he would love to see the versatile forward join his team.

“Zaniolo is a world-class player,” Buruk said via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“He is a player we would like to see in the squad, even if we don’t know exactly his relationship with Roma.

“But if you ask me: ‘Do you want to see him in the team?’ Of course I’d like to see him.”

Buruk also claimed he had been monitoring Zaniolo’s progress since he faced him in the Europa League in the 2019/20 season when he was the manager of Istanbul Basaksehir.

Gala swept past Trabzonspor last time out with two ex-Serie A stars, Dries Mertens and Mauro Icardi, on the scoresheet for Buruk’s side.

Zaniolo could join them, but Gala must agree a deal with Roma, who are holding out for a bigger fee than the Turkish club are currently offering.

With just two days left until the Turkish transfer window closes, both sides will continue talks, with Gala reportedly confident that a deal can be agreed.