Arsenal are set to lose the battle to sign Genoa wonderkid Pietro Pellegri as Juventus race ahead in pursuit of the teenager.
According to La Gazzeta-dello-Sport, Arsenal are among a host of clubs set to be beaten by Italian champions Juventus as the Turin side are set to table a bid for Genoa wonderkid, Pietro Pellegri. Arsene Wenger was keen on adding Pellegri to his set up but seems to have fallen behind in the race.
Genoa teenager Pietro Pellegri has been the subject of interest for many major European clubs. Arsenal are one of these clubs and have been closely monitoring the teenager’s development. The Gunners even sent scouts earlier last year to scout him among other players in Serie A.
Manchester United and Chelsea were also among clubs monitoring his situation, along with reported interest from PSG and Manchester City as well. But Arsene Wenger’s side was thought to be firmly in the race until Juventus took a step ahead of their rivals to move closer in securing the forward from Genoa.
The fee for the forward is believed to be £26 million (€30 million) and Juventus, though they do not have the teenager in their plans for the current season, would like to have him around for the next. That in mind, Juve are ready to loan the forward back to Genoa for the remainder of the season after the initial purchase.
Juventus are believed to have already opened talks with his agent and subsequently afterwards will do so with Genoa. The latter are open to the sale of one of their prized assets, despite only being 16 years of age, the parent club believes this would be a good deal for all parties.
Pietro Pellegri shot into limelight with his performances in Italy as well for the U-19 national team. This season, with other seasoned players ahead of him, Pellegri has still managed five Serie A appearances and scored two goals. The wide range of interest in him comes naturally, after impressing in multiple quarters of the Italian game.
With Arsenal and the other clubs set to miss out, Juventus will get their hands on one exciting forward in Pellegri and the player could be a big part of their bright future.