Tottenham Hotspur’s north London rivals Arsenal have reportedly submitted an offer for Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini – but should Spurs continue their interest?
The Daily Mirror write that the Gunners are prepared to meet Pellegrini’s £27m release clause, but would be looking to do so in two instalments in order to make the deal viable.
The 22-year-old featured regularly for Roma last season in the centre of midfield, a position that Spurs seem keen to bolster their options in before the start of the 2019/20 campaign.
Most of his appearances came as part of a midfield three, a formation that boss Mauricio Pochettino does not tend to deploy.
However, Pellegrini’s qualities are clear to see, linking defence and attack by winning the ball efficiently before finding a team-mate with a precise pass forward.
The former Sassuolo man is also more than capable of performing a box to box role and is physically strong and agile.
One area the Italian does not stand out in is creativity in front of goal, scoring just four goals and providing seven assists for the Italian giants last season.
However, signing him would allow the likes of Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli the license to push forward and provide said goals and assists, knowing that they won’t be left short on the counter attack.
Pellegrini also has Champions League and international experience, which will only benefit young players in the squad such as Oliver Skipp.
For the £27m being mentioned, a snip in today’s over-inflated transfer market, Pellegrini would be a fantastic addition to a Spurs squad intent on progressing both domestically and in Europe next term.
