‘Hardly any money’: Ian Wright urges Arsenal to sign 117-time international for free

Ian Wright has taken to Twitter in a bid to urge Arsenal to sign AS Roma legend Daniele De Rossi, after the experienced midfielder chose to leave the Stadio Olimpico this summer.

The 35-year-old first made his debut for Roma back in October 2001 under Fabio Capello, and has since gone on to make an enormous 616 senior appearances for the Italian giants.

In his prime, tough-tackling star De Rossi was regarded as one of the best holding midfielders in the world. At 35 years of age, he is still up there – churning excellent performances week in, week out for Roma.

Now a free agent, 117-time Italy international De Rossi has been linked with a move to Boca Juniors. But Arsenal legend Wright wants to see Unai Emery to bring him to the Premier League, claiming his experience would be key.

Arsenal need to bring in De Rossi from Roma ! We’ll get 15 games out of him, it won’t cost hardly any money, and the experience he could pass on to the likes of Willock and the other youngsters could be invaluable and money well spent. 🤔

— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) June 3, 2019

TBR’s view

Wright is bang on. Arsenal lack that kind of bite, experience and leadership that is needed if they are going to get back into the top four. They need some passion.

On a free, De Rossi has perhaps one or two years left at the top level, given his impressive stamina. But it would be his influence off the pitch, giving the likes of Joe Willock, Matteo Guendouzi and more priceless knowledge.

Emery has to take notice of Wright’s claim, but it remains to be seen if action will be taken.

(Photo by Massimo Insabato/Archivio Massimo Insabato/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)