During the summer transfer window, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte lured the likes of Davide Zappacosta and Antonio Rudiger away from the Serie A to join the Premier League champions. Now, it appears his focus could be swayed back to his native Italy, as it has emerged that the south-west Londoners - according to a report published by TuttoMercatoWeb - are supposedly interested in acquiring 21-year-old AS Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini's flourishing services.
Pellegrini re-signed for Roma in the summer after the 'Giallorossi' activated the buy-back clause which was appropriately inserted into his previous contract when he joined his former employers Sassuolo in 2015.
Now, after re-establishing himself in the squad at the Stadio Olimpico, the young, prodigal Italian is certainly making a name for himself in England, particularly, with the Blues allegedly being admirers of his developing qualities in the middle of the park.
💬 | Midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini on another 1-0 win...
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) 29 October 2017
➡️ https://t.co/vZwkiZ06R7 pic.twitter.com/bSo4nrWDZh
Release Clause
Recognising that Pellegrini has a bright future ahead of him in the game, Roma has reportedly pinned a release clause worth €25m in his deal at the club, a figure which is relatively cheap in comparison to the weighty fees which are slapped onto the heads of other fledgeling starlets in the modern game.
Although it's believed that if Pellegrini can continue to prove his worth and grace the turf on a more regular basis for the Italian outfit, the provisional sum required to gain his signature could indeed rise substantially.
86' - Final substitution for #ASRoma...
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) 31 October 2017
❌⬅️ Diego Perotti
➡️✅ Lorenzo Pellegrini
#RomaChelsea 3⃣-0⃣ pic.twitter.com/zNl4mzxnHB
Proof
Some Chelsea fans may be curious or sceptical, however, Pellegrini has this term featured against Conte's men in the Champions League, coming off the bench in both group stage encounters at Stamford Bridge and in Rome.
Roma downed the Blues 3-0 in the second meeting at the Stadio Olimpico on October 31, a result that amplifies the Italy U21 international's contribution and spirit when called upon.
In 9 domestic outings for Roma, Pellegrini has managed to notch 2 assists for Eusebio De Francesco's contingent, who are currently 5th in the league standings.
Being selected on a weekly basis will only help the collection of chasing suitors familiarise themselves with his characteristics. Whether a move to the Bridge is a positive avenue to take for Pellegrini is yet to be seen, but ultimately, if he can continue to bolster his reputation, Roma will have to rigorously prepare themselves to fend off incoming advances from some of Europe's biggest clubs, including, most notably, Chelsea.