Arsenal are entering a new chapter in the club’s history next season as they will be managed by a name other than Arsene Wenger, for the first time in more than 22 years. Unai Emery has a lot to prove at Emirates and is already planning to improve the quality in his side.
This has seen Arsenal linked with some exciting names and the latest name doing the rounds is Lorenzo Pellegrini.
Arsenal Interested In Pellegrini:
Arguably one of the most exciting talents in Italy at the moment, Pellegrini has been extensively linked with an exit from Rome for some time now. Italian giants Juventus are hot on his heels but reports from Sky Sports now claim that Arsenal have joined the race for his signature.
The same story revealed that Pellegrini has a release clause of £25m, with Roma already scouting for replacements. So is Pellegrini the right man for Arsenal?
Who Is Pellegrini?
Having graduated from the academy at Stadio Olimpico, back in 2014, the 21-year old spent a couple of seasons at Sassuolo, getting used to top flight football, before being brought back to Rome at the start of the previous season.
His time at Mapei Stadium saw him turn into a crucial part of the squad under Eusebio Di Francesco’s squad, that made it to the semi-finals of the Champions League this season. He registered three goals and five assists in all competitions for the club, making 22 Serie A starts, and has turned into an established star this season.
A central midfielder, who has been used regularly on the right side of a 3-man midfield in a 4-3-3 system, the 21-year old is a gifted footballer, who is effective at both ends of the field. He is adept at creating chances with his long-range passing and is also an expert over the dead ball. He is quick to intercept balls in the midfield and is creative with his passing, making him effective on counter attacks.
He is at times too eager to make a tackle and might give away needless fouls but his ability to twist out of danger and find his man in space is what makes him dangerous. He also broke into the national side last year and has already made three appearances for his country and is a decent coup for Arsenal.
Right Man For Arsenal?
The Gunners have Granit Xhaka as their first choice midfielder while Mohamed Elneny, who recently signed a new deal, does not seem to be a first-team option for Emery. Aaron Ramsey is linked with an exit and so is Jack Wilshere and if the Gunners are able to keep the duo at the club, they need to add a different dimension to their midfield and Pellegrini will do the trick.
Arsenal are also interested in Jean Michael-Seri, who is a more established star than Pellegrini but at just £25m, the AS Roma man could be a game changer for Emery in years to come.