Roma starlet Cengiz Under has really made a name for himself in 2018, scoring six times and providing an assist since February.
It is perhaps little surprise that he has started attracting interest from across Europe.
Premier League duo Arsenal and Manchester City became the latest clubs to be linked with Under in the Italian press.
A source close to the player revealed to Turkish-Football that it is normal for clubs to scout in form players and did not deny interest from the Premier League duo.
However, what is clear is that the plan from Under’s representatives and Roma is for the rising star to stay put.
The Giallorossi see Under as a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah and are not interested in selling him just a season after signing him.
Under has been nicknamed ‘Nuovo Salah’ in Italy which translates to the new Salah.
Roma, Under the Top: è “il nuovo Salah” //t.co/kxqFZZERjd
— Romolo Buffoni (@romoloB) February 19, 2018
Il nuovo Salah pic.twitter.com/BjBO5MDBZ4
— Alex Marko (@Alexmarko88) February 17, 2018
E se il piccolo turco diventasse il nuovo #Salah?#ASRoma #Under//t.co/CBX1rY0Ljk pic.twitter.com/YNTzgpydvW
— Gazzetta GialloRossa (@GazzGialloRossa) February 13, 2018
Additionally the Turkey international only just settled into life at Roma in what was his first move abroad.
City were actually on the verge of signing Under before Roma swooped last summer.
The Citizens planned to complete the transfer and send him to Freiburg on loan.
Under revealed why he opted to join Roma in the last interview I had with him for the Guardian.
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“I was convinced after we heard Monchi’s plan. Monchi [Roma’s director of football] explained they were making big changes. He made it clear that he wanted me as a player for the first-team squad, not as a future prospect. He valued me as a footballer in my own right now, as a rising star with potential,” Under said.
“He knows what to say and how to explain things. He explained the project in detail, that they are a club not afraid to play young players and that the manager has the courage to give youngsters a shot. That clinched it for me.”
Roma sporting director Monchi ended up convincing the wonder kid to join the Italian giants with promises of first-team football.
The 20-year-old has already scored on his Champions League debut, netting an important away goal that proved to be decisive in knowing Shakhtar out on away goals in the Last 16.
Under also scored an important away goal in the 3-1 away victory over Napoli in the Serie A.
