Inter are ready to pounce to sign Lorenzo Pellegrini on a free transfer should he leave Roma at the end of the season, as reported by La Repubblica, via FC Inter News.
The 29-year-old is in the final year of his contract at the Olimpico, which Capology report fetch him €6.48 million per year. Roma, however, are demanding him to a take a 50% pay cut, which has stalled talks over a contract renewal.
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Giallorossi boss Gian Piero Gasperini has made retaining Pellegrini one of his conditions for staying at the club amid a public dispute with Roma legend Caludio Ranieri, who is currently the senior advisor to the Friedkin Group. According to Correire dello Sport, their relationship had been straining for months and may have now reached breaking point, already making Gasperini’s situation tenuous at the club at best.
Pellegrini is a Roma academy graduate and has been at the club for his entire career barring a two-year stint with Sassuolo. He was captain of the team before Gasperini stripped him off the armband at the start of the season, citing appearances for the club as his barometer for choosing team captain.
Despite losing the armband, Pellegrini has featured regularly under the 68-year-old, having made 33 appearances this season, registering seven goals and four assists. He has also been struggling with hamstring issues since last season, which might be a factor dictating Roma’s concerns over handing him a new contract.
Anshuman Joshi I GIFN
