AS Roma are rushing to hand Lorenzo Pellegrini a new contract as Juventus target a move for the midfielder, and the Rome club knows the transfer could happen after [the Bianconeri hijacked their agreement to keep Zeki Celik](https://talkjuve.com/2026/07/17/juventus-completes-shock-hijack-of-roma-star/).
Similar to Pellegrini, Roma had allowed Celik’s contract to expire before reaching an agreement over an extension. However, just hours after the deal was arranged and while the club waited for him to sign the final documents, he instead agreed a contract with Juventus.
Roma face another Juventus threat
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That decision surprised Roma, and Juventus could repeat the situation with Pellegrini, who is still discussing a new contract with the club’s board. However, no agreement has been reached between the two parties yet.
Pellegrini is one of the most experienced players in Italian football and has been with Roma since 2017, after initially progressing through the club’s youth system before moving to Sassuolo.
The midfielder has also captained Roma and remains one of the players trusted by Gian Piero Gasperini. The manager wants the club to keep him as part of his squad because of his importance and experience.
Juventus continue their interest
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Roma are now acting as quickly as possible to secure Pellegrini’s future, but according to [La Gazzetta dello Sport](https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Calciomercato/Roma/17-07-2026/roma-pellegrini-nel-mirino-della-juve-il-club-giallorosso-accelera.shtml?refresh_ce), the midfielder could still move to Juventus, with the Bianconeri already making contact to explore a possible transfer this summer.
The situation has created concern at Roma because Pellegrini could become the second player they lose to Juventus in just a few days. The club will now look to avoid another situation similar to Celik’s departure.
With negotiations still ongoing, Roma will hope they can reach an agreement with their captain before Juventus make further progress. Pellegrini’s future remains uncertain, and the coming period could prove decisive in determining where he plays next season.