Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Lorenzo Pellegrini this summer, with the AS Roma midfielder also being targetted by Manchester United.
According to a report by Sky Sports, Arsenal are taking a keen interest in Lorenzo Pellegrini as new boss Unai Emery looks to revamp the squad at his disposal in the summer transfer window. The AS Roma midfielder is also the subject of interest from Manchester United.
Pellegrini has enjoyed a fine return to boyhood club AS Roma from Sassuolo, having played a key role for the Giallorossi in Serie A. Where he did lag behind were the cup competitions, both domestically and in Europe, managing just 318 minutes.
Nevertheless, with 37 appearances in all competitions, the player built a good base for his maiden senior campaign at Stadio Olimpico. But, a £26 million buyout clause in his Roma contract seems to have piqued the interest of several big name clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester United.
Unai Emery took charge of Arsenal this week, and is set to overhaul his squad in the summer. Midfield is reportedly a priority area that needs reinforcements, with Santi Cazorla leaving the club and the future of Jack Wilshere uncertain. Pellegrini’s addition would inject some energy in midfield to complement Aaron Ramsey, a player around whom Emery is set to build his squad.
Manchester United, on the other hand, look set to sign Fred before he departs to Russia for the World Cup. But, Jose Mourinho has already made it clear that the Red Devils will sign two midfielders in the summer if Marouane Fellaini departs from Old Trafford, making Pellegrini a viable target, who could help the manager build a formidable midfield quartet.
Juventus are also in the race to sign Pellegrini, having attempted to sign him last summer before he joined Roma. His £26 million release clause makes the player an easy target to acquire as well for Arsenal and Manchester United, with Roma concerned over his future in the Italian capital.
The Giallorossi already seem to have a contingency plan in place if Pellegrini ends up leaving, with Bryan Cristante earmarked as his replacement. It will now be interesting to see if his homecoming lasts just one season, with Arsenal and Manchester United fancying their chances of snapping him up.
