Arsenal ready to compete with Inter and Napoli to sign 28-year-old Italy international: Reports

Arsenal are all set to battle Inter Milan and Napoli for the services of Lorenzo Pellegrini, according to La Repubblica (via giallorossi.net). The Italian midfielder rose through the ranks at AS Roma before gaining prominence at Sassuolo.

Pellegrini returned to the Stadio Olimpico in 2017 and has been a key part of the first team since. He has registered 55 goals and 58 assists from 302 games for the Serie A club.

Following Edin Dzeko's departure in 2021, the 28-year-old was handed the armband. However, Pellegrini has blown hot and cold this season, registering two goals and two assists from 20 games across competitions.

Roma are reportedly ready to let him go this month and Arsenal are interested. The Gunners are sweating on the future of Thomas Partey, whose contract expires at the end of this season.

The Ghanaian hasn't signed a new deal yet and remains linked with an exit. Meanwhile, Jorginho has also entered the final six months of his contract with the north London side and could be on the move this summer.

The situation has prompted Arsenal to turn to the market and they have identified Pellegrini as an option. The player's contract with AS Roma runs until 2026, so he could be available for a cut-price deal this month.

However, Inter Milan are reportedly eyeing the Italian as well and are ready to offer Davide Frattesi as part of their proposal. Meanwhile, Napoli also remain keen to sign Pellegrini this month.

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When are Arsenal back in action?

Arsenal return to action on Sunday, January 12, when they face Manchester United in the Emirates in the FA Cup third round. The Gunners arrive at the game on the back of a 2-0 defeat against Newcastle United in the EFL Cup semifinal first leg.

The north London side have been in good form this season and are second in the Premier League table after 20 games. They are six points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.

Arsenal have won 18 of their 30 games across competitions this season, losing just four. They have scored 60 goals and conceded 25.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are 13th in the Premier League table after 20 games, 17 points behind the Gunners. The Red Devils come into the game on a run of five matches without a win, where they have lost four and drawn one.