Tottenham make enquiry for €115k-a-week “exquisite player with great quality”
Tottenham Hotspur’s search for midfield reinforcements has taken them to Serie A, where AS Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini is emerging as a serious transfer target. The Italian international has been linked with a possible departure from the Stadio Olimpico this summer, and Spurs are reportedly one of the clubs keen to bring him to the Premier League.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Tottenham have made enquiries about the 29-year-old attacking midfielder, who has been a mainstay at Roma for several years. Despite his status as a homegrown star and a leader within the squad, the Giallorossi are understood to be open to parting ways with Pellegrini. The main stumbling block appears to be his wages, with the midfielder currently earning around €6 million per year — a figure the club now deems unsustainable as they look to manage their finances more carefully.
This isn’t the first time Pellegrini has been on Tottenham’s radar. Spurs have monitored him in the past, but the current situation at Roma may finally provide them with a realistic chance to land him. The timing also couldn’t be more pressing for the north London club. With James Maddison sidelined for several months due to injury, manager Thomas Frank is in desperate need of another creative outlet who can dictate play in the final third.
Pellegrini’s profile makes him an ideal candidate. Across 316 appearances for Roma, he has contributed an impressive 55 goals and 59 assists, highlighting his ability not only to unlock defenses but also to finish chances himself. A versatile playmaker who thrives between the lines, Pellegrini can carry the ball forward, pick out decisive passes, and deliver from set pieces — all qualities Spurs are currently lacking without Maddison.
Beyond his technical ability, Pellegrini offers leadership and experience that could be invaluable to Tottenham’s relatively youthful squad. As Roma’s captain, he has played under intense pressure in one of Europe’s most demanding footballing environments, including leading the side through high-profile Serie A campaigns and European competitions. Claudio Ranieri, one of the most respected Italian managers, once described Pellegrini as “an exquisite player with great quality,” a testament to his reputation in his home country.
Financially, a deal seems within Tottenham’s reach. With Roma under pressure to reduce their wage bill and Pellegrini contracted until 2026, the Italian club may be forced to cash in now rather than risk losing leverage in the near future. Spurs, backed by their strong revenues and Premier League financial muscle, would have no issue meeting his salary demands of around €115,000 per week. Compared to other high-profile signings, Pellegrini could represent a cost-effective solution with both immediate and long-term benefits.
For the player himself, the chance to test himself in England could be too good to ignore. At 29, Pellegrini is entering what many consider the peak years of a footballer’s career. Moving to Tottenham would give him the opportunity to compete in the Premier League — widely regarded as the most competitive league in the world — while also joining a club with ambitions of re-establishing themselves among Europe’s elite.
If Tottenham do follow up their initial enquiry with a concrete offer, the transfer has the potential to be one of the most intriguing moves of the summer. Pellegrini’s combination of creativity, leadership, and experience could make him a transformative signing for Spurs, filling the void left by Maddison’s absence and providing Frank with the midfield spark his side desperately needs.
The ball is now in Tottenham’s court, and supporters will be watching closely to see whether chairman Daniel Levy and his recruitment team push forward with an official bid. Should they succeed, Pellegrini could arrive in north London ready to hit the ground running, eager to showcase his talent on one of the biggest stages in world football.