Arsenal have been linked with a transfer for AS Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini but they may face stiff competition from Napoli. Mikel Arteta appears in major need of attacking signings but problems in midfield could soon emerge which may explain links to Pellegrini.

Though Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino have all arrived in the last 18 months to bolster the club's engine room, Arteta could soon lose two key players in that area. Both Jorginho and Thomas Partey see their current contracts expire this summer and therefore it is likely both leave at the conclusion of the 2024/25 campaign.

If that is the scenario that plays out, Arsenal will likely want to sign at least one replacement with one of those seemingly identified as Pellegrini. According to La Repubblica, via Roma Press, the Gunners have been listed as a potential suitor for the Italy international.

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Pellegrini has 18 months remaining on his contract at Roma and that has seemingly alerted other clubs to the possibility of him either being available for a cheaper price or even a free transfer. Napoli look to be the ones pushing hardest for his signature with January talks opened after contacting his agent, as per Il Mattino.

Antonio Conte's confidence of landing the player appears to be very high with it also claimed a three-year contract has been prepared for Pellegrini. With three weeks of the winter trading period remaining, Napoli have plenty of time to reach an agreement but Arsenal will be hoping that does not happen.

While also being capable of thriving in a deeper role, the 28-year-old has taken on more creative responsibilities in recent years. Last season, he contributed to 15 goals in all competitions and his arrival would certainly help Arsenal cope with another possible absence for Martin Odegaard.

An ankle injury earlier in this campaign saw him miss a few months and Arsenal significantly struggled to create chances as a result. The Gunners captain is also currently in a difficult run of form having suffered with illness recently and taking him out of the team could benefit his performance levels in the long-term.

Having someone like Pellegrini available could therefore be very handy if either of those scenarios were to occur again.