Inter Monitoring Pellegrini's Contract Situation Amidst Roma's Demands

Inter Milan is reportedly poised to make a move for AS Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini if he decides to leave the club as a free agent at the end of the season. This interest comes as Roma is requesting their captain to accept a substantial reduction in his current salary, a demand that has reportedly put contract renewal talks on hold.

The 29-year-old Italian international is currently in the final year of his contract at the Stadio Olimpico. Reports indicate his current annual earnings are around €6.48 million. However, AS Roma is seeking a 50% pay cut, which has become a significant stumbling block in negotiations for a new deal.

Adding to the complexity, AS Roma's manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, has reportedly made keeping Pellegrini at the club a condition for his own continued tenure. This comes amidst a public disagreement between Gasperini and senior advisor Claudio Ranieri, a former Roma legend. Their relationship has allegedly been strained for some time, potentially jeopardizing Gasperini's position at the club.

Pellegrini, a product of Roma's youth academy, has spent the majority of his career with the Giallorossi, with a brief two-year spell at Sassuolo being his only exception. He was previously the team captain before Gasperini controversially removed the armband at the beginning of the current season, citing player appearances as the basis for his decision.

Despite losing the captaincy, Pellegrini has remained a regular in Gasperini's lineup, featuring in 33 matches this season and contributing seven goals and four assists. He has also been dealing with hamstring issues since last season, which may be a contributing factor to Roma's hesitation in offering him a new long-term contract on his current terms.