Napoli chase udinese’s Nicolo Zaniolo, Lazio interested

Napoli have opened negotiations to sign Udinese midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo this summer, after the Italian international expressed a desire to raise his salary. Zaniolo currently earns €1.2 million under a contract that runs to 2029 and seeks at least €2 million for the new season.

According to a report by La dello Sport via Calcio Napoli 24, written by Trambak Bhattacherjee, Napoli have formally inquired about Zaniolo’s availability. The club view the midfielder as a potential summer acquisition.

Zaniolo’s wish to increase his earnings is creating headwinds at Udinese. The club must balance his request with their wage structure.

Under his current deal, Zaniolo receives €1.2 million per year until 2029. He aims to boost that figure to at least €2 million ahead of the upcoming season.

During his spell with Turkish giants Galatasaray, Zaniolo earned over €3 million annually. Udinese originally secured him by triggering a €9 million purchase option at the end of his loan.

In his recent loan spell with Udinese, Zaniolo recorded five goals and five assists across 32 Serie A appearances. His performance has attracted interest from other Serie A sides, including Lazio, which could turn the deal into a contested transfer.

The summer transfer window will determine whether Napoli can meet Zaniolo’s wage demands before Lazio enters the race. Udinese have pledged to review his contract as negotiations progress.