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PARMA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 29: Nicolò Zaniolo of Udinese Calcio looks on during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Ennio Tardini on November 29, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Udinese are prepared to trigger the €9 million purchase option for Nicolò Zaniolo following an impressive season in Friuli, but wage negotiations represent the primary obstacle to making the deal permanent, with the Italian forward currently earning well above what the club are willing to offer long-term.
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Udinese sporting director Gianluca Nani has already indicated his desire to retain Zaniolo alongside Keinan Davis, describing the pair as the foundation upon which the club wants to build next season.
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The willingness to spend is there, but the salary gap is significant.
Zaniolo wage demands could force Udinese into compromise as Galatasaray option looms
Zaniolo is currently contracted to Galatasaray until June 2027 and earned in excess of €3 million per season in Turkey, a figure built on the back of his strong Roma years.
During his loan at Udinese last season his wages were over €1 million, already a notable commitment for the Friulian club.
The ideal outcome for Udinese would be to agree a figure of around €1.7 million per season across a four-year deal, a compromise that would give Zaniolo financial security and the club a manageable long-term asset should he maintain his current level of performance.
Should no agreement be reached, Zaniolo would return to Galatasaray, though the intention on both sides is to find common ground.
