[Forza_Roma]

He ain't going anywhere.

Aquilani impresses Arsenal
Sunday 24 June, 2007
Arsenal are preparing a bid for Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani after he impressed in the Under-21 Championships.

The Azzurrini man was Italy’s joint top scorer with two goals in the European tournament in Holland this month and among their most exciting players.

The ‘Sunday Mirror’ reports that Gilles Grimandi was watching Aquilani for Arsenal during the win over Portugal in the Olympic play-off.

However, it will take a massive proposal for the Gunners to lure him away from his hometown club.

Aquilani has only ever spent one season away from Roma – with Serie B outfit Triestina in 2003-04 – and has become an increasingly important figure in Luciano Spalletti’s squad.

His influence was reduced to just 13 Serie A appearances this season, as he suffered a serious injury in November that kept him out of action for five months.

The 22-year-old has already made his senior Italy debut in a 1-1 draw with Turkey on November 15, 2006, but his future call-ups were stalled by that injury.

Another figure in the stands felt the power of Aquilani’s free kicks. A 13-year-old Dutch fan was struck by a set-piece in the 2-2 draw with England and fractured his wrist.

Denzel Westenberg had no hard feelings, as he wore an Aquilani shirt and the entire Italy squad signed it for him.

channel4.com - Football Italia