Roma are preparing to offer a new contract on improved terms to attacking midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, who has emerged as a target for Arsenal and Chelsea.
Zaniolo joined Roma last summer as part of the deal that saw Radja Nainggolan move to the San Siro and the youngster has worked his way into the starting eleven as the season has progressed.
After struggling to get minutes under his belt, the 19-year-old has started the last six league games and scored his first goal for the club against Sassuolo last month.
The youngster’s recent performances have piqued the interest of several clubs in Europe, and Arsenal and Chelsea are claimed to be keeping tabs on his development.
Roma are aware that the youngster has been attracting the prying eyes of a few top teams and, according to Italian daily Gazzetta dello Sport, they are planning to offer him a new and improved contract.
Monchi, the club’s sporting director, wants to move quickly in order to safeguard Roma’s interest and make sure Zaniolo stays at the club by getting him to sign a new deal.
Initial talks have already taken place and there is also speculation that Roma want to include a high release clause in Zaniolo’s new deal to deter clubs from making a move for him.
His current deal, which runs until 2013, has no buyout clause.
