Chelsea are reportedly keen on signing AS Roma attacking midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini as the Blues continue their search for midfield reinforcements in 2023.
According to Italian outlet Fichajes, Chelsea remains interested in Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini and are mulling making an offer to bring the 26-year-old Italian international to Stamford Bridge next summer.
The Italian recently hit the headlines, tipped to be a contingency plan for Chelsea in case Mason Mount did not sign a new contract, but that certainly is not the case anymore. The Cobham academy graduate now looks likely to put pen to paper on a new deal at the club sooner rather than later unless there is a radical change in stance.
However, Chelsea are still interested in the signing of Lorenzo Pellegrini from Roma in order to bolster their midfield. The Blues are on the lookout for multiple midfield reinforcements over the next two transfer windows due to the uncertain futures of some of their current midfielders.
N’Golo Kante will be out of contract next summer and is thought to want a lengthier extension than what Chelsea are willing to offer amid PSG interest. The same goes for Jorginho, while Mateo Kovacic has only got the final 18 months or so left on his existing contract. Kante and Jorginho are both well into their thirties and are starting to show signs of slowing down.
Thus, the Blues could make do with a couple of high-profile midfield acquisitions and they seem to be planning to do just that. Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham have been earmarked as their prime targets for the defensive midfield spot, with Pellegrini a possible candidate for the other role in a double pivot or as an attacking midfielder thanks to his incredible versatility and stellar attacking output over the years.
A product of the Roma youth academy, Pellegrini has been a star figure at the Stadio Olimpico since returning in 2017 from Sassuolo. He has emerged as one of the club’s key components in attack over the years and under different managers, racking up over 200 competitive appearances.
The AS Roma captain has been involved in a total of 85 goals in all competitions (37 goals, 48 assists), and is a firm fan favourite, having played an important role in powering Jose Mourinho’s side to the UEFA Europa Conference League title last term.
The talented playmaker is one of the first names on the team sheet under Mourinho and is contracted until 2026, but could well be on the move if the Blues make a lucrative offer for the dynamic midfielder.
Roma, for their part, are confident that they can keep hold of their captain despite heavy interest from some of Europe’s elites, with him being considered a cornerstone in building a winning project under Mourinho’s stewardship, and the recent renewal is evidence of their trust in the player.
Pellegrini has established himself as one of the most well-rounded midfielders on the planet, boasting a perfect balance of creative prowess and work rate. His versatility could also be a handy tool for Graham Potter and co, albeit it would take a sizeable fee to prise him away from the Stadio Olimpico.
