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Chelsea, Man City have eyes on Pellegrini

Chelsea, Man City have eyes on Pellegrini

  • Matthew Klimberg
Having made just six appearances for his new club, AS Roma, and just one for the Italian national team, you may be surprised to hear Lorenzo Pellegrini’s name in the same breath as Manchester City and Chelsea. However, the young midfielder possesses many star qualities that have attracted attention across the world.

The 21-year-old enjoyed his breakout campaign with Sassuolo last year when he notched six goals and seven assists in 28 Serie A matches. The previous year, he helped qualify the Reggio Emilia club to a shock Europa League entrance. This past summer, he joined manager Eusebio Di Francesco as they both moved to the capital.

Originally a product of the Roma youth system, Pellegrini made a lone appearance for Roma as an 18-year-old. Now he’s expected to become a focal point for their attack across the three competitions they will partake in this season.

As a natural central midfielder, Pellegrini has spent time on this wing this year with Radja Nainggolan and Kevin Strootman holding down the center. Such versatility will be of added value to foreign clubs seeking his services.

With Roma only having spent €10 million to bring him back to Stadio Olimpico, City and Chelsea may see him as a cost effective addition to their midfields.