According to reports from talkSPORT, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur face competition from Barcelona in the race to sign Roma star Alessandro Florenzi.
A product of Giallorossi’s academy, the 24-year-old has been receiving rave reviews from the Stadio Olimpico faithful for some time. He’s featured in central midfield, on the wing and in defence since his 2011 debut and has shown the same level of talent, intelligence and enthusiasm in all three roles.
But a move to right-back towards the end of last season could well be the making of the Italy international. Although his versatility remains a huge asset for any squad, Florenzi’s form as Roma’s No.2 has attracted interest from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as European champions Barcelona. They view the 13-cap international as a natural successor to Dani Alves, capable of mimicking the Brazilian’s attacking impact on the overlap.
But January is certainly not the right time to buy for any of Florenzi’s rumoured suitors. Not only will Roma expect an enormous premium to sell their shining star midseason, especially considering they’re currently just one point behind Serie A leaders Fiorentina, but Florenzi is also on the Puskas award shortlist for a David-Beckham-esque long-ranger against Barcelona in the Champions League earlier this season.
In short, his stock and market value probably couldn’t be higher right now – his also contract doesn’t expire for another four years. Then again, Florenzi might not leave the Stadio Olimpico even in three or four years time and even for Barcelona; Roma have a fantastic history of one-club men and as a born-and-bred Giallorossi fan, many have tipped him to follow the same paths as Daniele De Rossi and Francesco Totti.