According to a report in the print edition of Gazzetta dello Sport (as relayed by Sport Witness), Roma are trying to resist Tottenham’s push to sign Lorenzo Pellegrini.
While Fabio Paratici is said to be prioritising strengthening his central defence this transfer window, reports indicate that the Italian is also keen on adding another central midfielder to the squad.
Pellegrini is one of the names who is rumoured to be on Spurs’ radar, with reports from Italy claiming last month that the Lilywhites were ready to trigger the Italian international’s £25m release clause.
However, some sources have also suggested that Jose Mourinho sees the central midfielder as an important part of his plans and would like to see the club hand him a new deal without any release clause.
Gazzetta dello Sport have now discussed Pellegrini’s future in the context of Roma’s move for Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka.
The report reveals that the Serie A club need to raise funds through player sales in order to meet Arsenal’s €20m (£17m) asking price for the Swiss international and suggest that Tottenham’s interest in Pellegrini might offer them a chance to do so.
It is asserted that that Spurs are ‘pressing’ to sign the 25-year-old but the Giallorossi are said to be ‘blocking’ and ‘resisting’ the North Londoners’ approach.
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The report also adds that it is unclear as to whether Pellegrini has a desire to move to Tottenham.
Spurs Web Opinion
Given the question marks over the futures of Moussa Sissoko and Harry Winks, one can understand why Paratici would be keen on signing a central midfielder this summer.
However, I would expect us to sign a squad player rather than a big name like Pellegrini or Kessie, particularly with Skipp also returning on the back of an impressive loan spell at Norwich.
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