In August 2023, Bournemouth expressed their willingness to pay 35 million euros to AS Roma for Nicolò Zaniolo. Despite this, Zaniolo opted not to proceed with the transfer, as he reportedly found Bournemouth to be an uninteresting club. This decision was considered a low point in Zaniolo's career. After refusing the transfer, Zaniolo experienced significant backlash in Rome. He was followed to his home by fifteen armed supporters who issued death threats, leading him to contact the police. Furthermore, banners accusing him of being a traitor were displayed throughout the city. As a result, Zaniolo did not participate in any further matches for AS Roma and eventually moved to Galatasaray for a fee of approximately twenty million euros, where he signed a contract lasting until the middle of 2027.