'Untransferable' Daniele De Rossi plays down speculation of Arsenal move

The Roma midfieleder Daniele De Rossi says he is unaware of Arsenal's reported interest, adding that he has no plans to leave the club he joined as a youth player.

The 26-year-old has been linked with a move to the Emirates, alongside a surprise return to the club for Patrick Viera, but De Rossi insists he would rather stay in Rome unless the club decide to sell him.

"Arsenal? I have never heard anything," said De Rossi. "Roma have declared me untransferable, I want to stay only here. Things would change if they wanted to offload me but they have always wanted me.

"I was on holiday, I read certain figures and even I didn't know if it could be true, I told myself 'maybe this time they will really sell me'," he added. "But the club always came out and declared that I was not for sale and that really pleased me. It's the only thing I want."

Alberto Aquilani has also been linked with a move to the Premier League, with reports suggesting Liverpool are close to signing the midfielder. De Rossi believes it would be a good move for his team-mate despite the effect it might have on the Roma squad.

"He's a footballer with exceptional skill and above all he grew up in Roma's academy and has a love for this shirt that you cannot buy," continued De Rossi. "But if you think about his career I think it would be a good opportunity, he would grow a lot by being close to the best midfielder in the world – Steven Gerrard."

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