Arsenal are keen on bringing some experience and quality into their midfield and their search has led them to the Stadio Olimpico, as reports suggest that AS Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini is a player they admire. This is as per reports from giallorossi.net, who have also added that the Gunners will need to fend off interest from Inter Milan and Napoli in order to land their target. The report also adds that Roma would be willing to part with their player for the right price in January.
Pellegrini is no stranger to being linked with a move to the Premier League. He has been linked with moves to Chelsea and Manchester United in the past, but nothing ever materialized. With Arsenal currently having to think about replacing Jorginho in their squad, his fellow Italian international seems like an ideal fit. Jorginho has entered the final six months of his contract with the Gunners and is free to open talks with clubs from abroad regarding a pre-contract signing.
Pellegrini is a strong, composed player who demands the ball and dictates play at his tempo, making teams tick with his intricate passes and movement. He also makes vital runs forward in key moments to grab the odd goal or assist, and also has great leadership qualities he will bring with him. It remains to be seen how the north Londoners go about this deal.
Looking back on Pellegrini’s career in Italy
Lorenzo Pellegrini was born in Rome, Italy in 1996 and began his early playing career with AS Roma in 2007. He came through the ranks at their academy, representing the club at various age groups, eventually breaking into the first team in 2015.
Later that year, he joined Sassuolo for a measly €1.25 million fee, with Roma retaining a buy-back clause in his contract in case they changed their minds in the future. He made 54 appearances for Sassuolo, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists as well. He returned to his boyhood club after two years away, re-signing for €10 million.
Since then, he has made 302 appearances, scoring 55 goals and adding 58 assists as well. His productivity of nearly a goal every three games is just what Arsenal need from a midfielder and could make a move sooner rather than later.
