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."