Emmanuel Eboue celebrates after scoring the second goal for Arsenal vs Blackpool
Emmanuel Eboue celebrates after scoring the second goal for Arsenal vs Blackpool
Arsenal are reported to be keeping a keen eye on Roma full-back Wesley, but it is one of the Brazilian's teammates who has also caught the eye of Gunners scouts in Emanuele Lulli.
Mikel Arteta's side have shown their willingness to invest in youth over recent seasons, and snapping up the talented 19-year-old could prove to be a shrewd piece of business for Arsenal.
TeamTALK also report of interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool, with a transfer race brewing. Should Arsenal land a deal to sign the teenager, they could have the next Emmanuel Eboue on their hands.
Arsenal scouts impressed by Roma youngster
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)
Arsenal currently have Ben White and Jurrien Timber available in the right-back role but, at 29 and 25 years old respectively, there is certainly space for a younger acquisition to the squad.
Lulli had never made a senior appearance for Roma before this season but has been thrown in the deep end this term by Gian Piero Gasperini, starting the first four Serie A fixtures and helping the side pick up 12 points from those games.
It's no surprise that those performances have turned the heads of Premier League clubs, with the player set to be offered a contract extension by Roma as a result.
Lulli is already an Italy Under-21 international, making his debut at that level over the recent international break in a 1-0 win over Armenia.
Emanuele Lulli can be next Emmanuel Eboue
Emmanuel Eboue
Emmanuel Eboue
Lulli has cultivated a reputation as an attacking full-back, having started his career in midfield. The 6 ft defender combines pace with physicality in a profile that is clearly appealing to Premier League clubs.
The teenager's strength comes in how he can drive the ball forwards and loves to run on the overlap. He recorded two goals and eight assists in 27 outings for the Roma Under-20 side last season.
Lulli's style bears remarkable similarities to that of Emmanuel Eboue. Both full-backs suit high-energy systems and driving forwards on the right flank. Both started their careers as midfielders.
Looking back on his time at Arsenal, Eboue has admitted that he had to learn when to control his love for attacking when making the move to Arsenal - something that Lulli would also have to develop.
In 2006, the former Gunners star said:
"I used to get confused and not know when to go forward and when to stay put.
"But Pat Rice has taught me a lot about defending. He turned me into the player I am. Without him I would have been lost in England."
It's very early days for Lulli and, should Arsenal decide to move for the player, he would need his own Pat Rice father figure - but this is certainly a hotshot with big potential.
Arsenal vs Leeds
Arsenal vs Leeds