Aquilani was Arsenal target

By James Dall   Last updated: 5th September 2007

Aquilani Alberto

Aquilani: Wanted man

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Arsenal and Valencia both had summer offers rejected for Roma's Alberto Aquilani, according to reports in Italy.

The duo are believed to have put in bids of around 15million euros (£10.1million), but Roma turned both sides down in order keep one of their star midfielders.

In 2001, then Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri targeted the Italian youngster, however Aquilani chose to stay at the Stadio Olimpico

The 23-year-old is currently contracted until 2010 and could soon put pen-to-paper on an extension.

Beautiful

Aquilani expressed his content at currently playing for the Serie A side, and is hoping to lift some silverware this season.

"I am happy because I am playing regularly," Aquilani told Corriere della Sera.

"It is a beautiful time to be playing for Roma, everyone wants to succeed, but I must still improve as a player.

"Our fans deserve the Scudetto, but it will be tough."