Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a shock move for Italian winger Federico Chiesa. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Reds have made an initial contact with Juventus over a potential move, as Chiesa would be keen on a Premier league move. The Italian giants have banished the 26-year old and expect to find a solution for his transfer before the deadline.
The winger is keen on a move away from Juventus as soon as possible. If he fails to sign for any big club before the deadline, he will be out from Thiago Motta’s squad, forcing him to reach out to some clubs, that particularly might not be Europe’s biggest ones. The 26-year-old wants regular first team football, preferably in a Champions League club.
Chiesa was on every club’s watch list in 2020. He was nicknamed the “Spaghetti Mafia” for his heroics in the Euros for Italy. His demand is not at the height as it was then, but he is still a consistent player. The 26-year old has scored 32 goals and provided 20 assists in 131 appearances for the club. Last season, he scored 10 goals and provided 2 assists in all competitions. His injury record has prompted his dream club to abandon him.
Chiesa has been given green light to join Liverpool after initial talks. Juventus want Chiesa to leave for an asking price around €15m. Barcelona are also interested but they have not sent a formal bid yet.
Liverpool to battle against Barcelona for Chiesa
As per reports by Tuttosport, FC Barcelona and Juventus had reached an agreement over the transfer of Federico Chiesa, who had agreed to join the Catalans as well. Despite of their financial mess, Barça are always linked to players available on the market.
However, a new sponsorship deal with Nike will help the club achieve the 1:1 financial rule. Both parties are working on finalizing a contract that will pay Barcelona €90 million per year, along with a signing bonus of €150 million. This deal would benefit the club financially and help them sign or register new players. President Joan Laporta is confident that once the deal is signed, it will provide a significant boost to their ambitions.
Liverpool who are also pursuing the Italian winger, will face stiff competition from the Catalans. The Spanish giants have been looking for a left-winger all summer. According to reports by Italian media, Barça are ready to pay €12m for Chiesa.
The Catalan giants will not sign Chiesa if they are not able to clear enough space on their wage bill. The Reds have a huge advantage here, if they are able to agree on terms with the parties involved soon, the Italian would most likely be heading to the Premier league.
Do the Reds need Federico Chiesa?
Liverpool have not made any signings this window and they need squad depth to compete against their major rivals. Chiesa is a proven forward, capable of playing on both, the left and right side of the wing. He is dominantly right footed but can strike well with his left foot as well. The 26-year old has phenomenal shooting ability particularly from outside the side.
He is a natural wide winger, who is also capable of delivering crosses accurately. His pace and agility is a quality that helps him to play on both the left and right sides of the field. He has a sensational first touch and the ability to dribble past defenders.
The promising son of the retired Italy international, Enrico Chiesa, Federico has played alongside football greats like Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala. Although he has had injury issues, he is still one of the most explosive wingers available on market right now.
Federico Chiesa ranked in the top-5 for shot creation (4.79 per 90 minutes) in the Serie A last season. He was also ranked in the top-3 for progressive carries into the opposition penalty area (58). His ability to play on both wings will be a quality of interest for Arne Slot. He is a player who can turn a game on its head, always a being a big threat in the attack.
Liverpool would benefit a lot from this signing, as it would provide them plenty of depth up front. At the price of merely €15m, this deal looks like an absolute no-brainer.
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