Liverpool, Arsenal & Chelsea Scout Roma Wonderkid Lulli

Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea learn AS Roma defender Emanuele Lulli is wanted by Europe's elite

Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly planning to make a move to sign AS Roma defender Emanuele Lulli. The 19-year-old right-back, comfortable at right wing-back, has caught the attention of Premier League scouts after breaking into the Roma first team under Gian Piero Gasperini.

Player: Emanuele Lulli, 19, right-back / right wing-back
Club: AS Roma
Interested Premier League clubs: Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur
Other interest: Paris Saint-Germain also impressed
Roma stance: No intention of selling; planning a fresh long-term contract
Source: TEAMtalk report

Deal details

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea are all planning a move for Lulli. The report claims the Premier League trio's scouts were originally watching Roma's Brazilian full-back Wesley but came away impressed by Lulli. Manchester City, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are also aware of his rise, though no fee or contract terms are mentioned in the source. Roma have no intention of parting ways with the defender just yet and plan to fend off suitors by tying him down to a fresh long-term contract.

Player profile and form

Lulli, a 6ft tall right-footed defender, is technically sound, can dribble past opposition defenders in tight areas and delivers excellent crosses from the flank. He is also good in the air and efficient in his defensive contributions. He has kept two clean sheets in four Serie A appearances this season and has helped Roma mount a title charge.

Why Premier League clubs need a right-back

Chelsea reinforced the right wing-back position by signing Marco Palestra this summer, but he has struggled with fitness problems so far. Liverpool, on the other hand, have struggled at right-back since Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure. Conor Bradley has been out injured over the last few months, while Jeremie Frimpong has struggled to find his feet in the Premier League since joining from Bayer Leverkusen. Arsenal currently have Ben White and Jurrien Timber as right-back options, but both have had fitness problems.

Analysis: Why Lulli fits the profile for all three clubs

Emanuele Lulli's profile is tailor-made for the modern Premier League full-back role. At 6ft with right-footed comfort on either the right-back or right wing-back slot, he offers the aerial security and technical quality that top clubs demand. His ability to beat a man in tight areas and whip in crosses from the flank makes him a dual threat — capable of defending the back post and contributing in the final third.

For Liverpool, the need is acute. Since Trent Alexander-Arnold's exit, the right side has been a problem area. Conor Bradley's injury troubles and Jeremie Frimpong's adaptation struggles have left a gap that a player like Lulli could fill long-term. His crossing ability would suit a system that still relies on full-backs to create, and his youth means he could develop into a first-team regular without the pressure of an immediate marquee signing.

Arsenal have Ben White and Jurrien Timber, but recurring fitness issues have exposed a lack of reliable depth. Lulli's versatility to play as a traditional right-back or push higher as a wing-back would give Mikel Arteta tactical flexibility. His defensive solidity and aerial strength also align with Arsenal's desire for physical full-backs who can invert or overlap depending on the phase of play.

Chelsea invested in Marco Palestra, but his fitness record has been poor, leaving the right wing-back slot vulnerable. Lulli's engine and ability to contribute at both ends would provide competition and cover. The fact that Chelsea's scouts were already watching Roma — to monitor Wesley — suggests the club is actively scouting Serie A for full-back talent, and Lulli's emergence could shift their focus.

Roma's determination to keep him is understandable. Lulli has already kept two clean sheets in four Serie A appearances and is contributing to a title challenge under Gasperini. Tying him to a new long-term contract would not only protect his value but also signal that Roma sees him as a cornerstone of their project. However, interest from six Premier League clubs plus PSG means that resolve will be tested, especially if Lulli continues to impress.

From a pure footballing perspective, Lulli would be a shrewd acquisition for any of the three clubs mentioned. His potential is high, and at 19, he has ample room to grow. The challenge for Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea will be convincing Roma to sell and the player to choose their project over the others.

Talking points

Should Liverpool prioritise a right-back over other positions given Conor Bradley's injury record and Frimpong's slow start?
Is Arsenal's interest in Lulli a sign that they lack faith in Ben White and Jurrien Timber's fitness long-term?
Chelsea signed Marco Palestra but his fitness issues persist — does Lulli represent a better bet for the right wing-back role?
Can any Premier League club prise Lulli away from Roma if the Serie A side offers him a new long-term contract?

What happens next

Roma are expected to open contract talks with Emanuele Lulli in an attempt to secure his future. Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea will continue to monitor his performances in Serie A, with the next transfer window offering a potential opportunity to make a formal approach. The player's development and Roma's title challenge will dictate how quickly the situation escalates.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Emanuele Lulli and which clubs want to sign him?

Emanuele Lulli is a 19-year-old AS Roma defender. Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain have all been credited with interest.