Italian midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo’s loan spell at Aston Villa could be cut short, with reports suggesting his desired impact hasn’t materialized.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Aston Villa is unlikely to activate their purchase option for Zaniolo at the end of the season. The 24-year-old is aware of this and reportedly wants to return to Galatasaray, his loan club, after the current campaign concludes.

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However, a permanent return to Italy next season might be on the cards. Fiorentina, Milan, and Juventus are reportedly monitoring his situation and considering loan-to-buy options similar to Aston Villa’s.

Zaniolo has featured in 27 matches for Aston Villa this season, scoring twice. He remains contracted to Galatasaray until 2027.

It appears unlikely that Villa will exercise their option to sign the attacking midfielder on a permanent move.

Villa would have to sign the Italian international if he plays 30 Premier League games this season according to the terms of the contract.

Zaniolo has played in 16 Premier League games so far this season.

Galatasaray meanwhile, are competing for the Super Lig title, the Europa League and the Turkish Cup. The Lions could be competing in the Champions League again next season.

Zaniolo is still contract to the Yellow-Reds and they will not let him leave on the cheap next summer if he does still want to leave the Istanbul giants.