Ranieri: Roma want to keep Zaniolo and he wants to stay

Following recent speculation in the Italian media about the future of Zaniolo – who scored his sixth goal of the season during Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Fiorentina – Ranieri was asked if he felt confident the 19-year-old would be a key part of Roma’s long-term future.

Ranieri was adamant in his response.

“He [Zaniolo] has said time and time again that he wants to stay at Roma,” Ranieri told reporters. “The lad has a contract until 2023.

“I understand that these things are very interesting to a lot of people but the club has no intention of selling him and he has no intention of leaving.”

Zaniolo’s current deal with the club was signed in July 2018, following his arrival from Inter Milan, and football's rules mean he cannot sign a contract for longer than his existing deal until the summer.

“Let’s leave it until July for a new contract,” Ranieri added. “Right now it isn’t possible to extend his deal, the regulations don’t allow it. Let’s all stay calm.

“The lad does not want to leave and Roma want to keep him – I hope that this is the last we will hear of the discussion.”