Fulham are reportedly leading the race to sign 23-year-old Juventus defender Luca Pellegrini in the summer transfer window.
According to Calciomercato, Premier League newcomers Fulham are in pole position to land Juventus defender Luca Pellegrini in the summer transfer window.
The 23-year-old came through the ranks at AS Roma before moving to Juventus in 2019. He has since made just 21 appearances for the Bianconeri across all competitions, all of which came in the 2021/22 season.
The left-back is rather solid in defence and can also function further up the flank if required. A good dribbler, Pellegrini is also a good passer of the ball and can link up well with players around him. This ability to function at either end of the pitch is a prerequisite for the modern-day full-back and should strengthen Marco Silva’s attacking approach.
Pellegrini’s playing style involves delivering several long balls and also crossing the ball into the box. This could be something Fulham could exploit, especially given Aleksandar Mitrovic thrives for them upfront. The Serb is due some joy in the Premier League, and bringing in the right players should aid him in doing so.
The Italian international, however, has certain facets of his game that he needs to improve upon. Pellegrini is prone to a lapse in concentration and also comes off second best in aerial duels. Surviving in the demanding Premier League is not an easy task, and the Juventus defender will be well served to enjoy a proper pre-season.
Juventus, for their part, are ready to part ways with the 23-year-old this summer. They are seeking a fee between €10 million and €15 million, something that can be considered cheap in the current market. Pellegrini is open to the idea of moving abroad amid links with West Ham United, and while Fulham are not top dogs in England, they are potentially a team on the rise with a bright future.
The Cottagers have an exciting young squad that could develop into top-flight mainstays should they get their act together. Pellegrini is an upgrade over Fulham’s current roster of left-backs: Antonee Robinson and Joe Bryan. While there is still much for the Italian to prove, he is certainly an enticing option for Fulham.
