Liverpool are reportedly plotting a big-money move for on-loan Juventus attacker Federico Chiesa as they look to bridge the gap to Manchester City in the coming season.
According to La Repubblica, the Reds have had a €100 million bid for Chiesa rejected, but could make an improved offer in the coming days.
The 23-year-old Italy international joined Juventus from Fiorentina last year on an initial two-year loan deal with an obligation to buy. He was one of the Old Lady’s standout players in an otherwise underwhelming domestic season in which they finished fourth.
Chiesa scored 15 goals and provided 11 assists in all competitions for Juventus, helping the side win the Coppa Italia.
His displays earned him a spot in Roberto Mancini’s squad for Euro 2020, where he impressed, scoring two goals and inspiring Italy to glory.
Is Liverpool target Federico Chiesa worth the fuss?
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is looking to bolster his attack this season. Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi are poised to leave the Merseyside club in the current transfer window, which would leave them short on attacking options. Mohamed Salah isn’t any younger either, and the club need to plan to replace him soon.
Thus, a move for Chiesa is a no-brainer. The Italian could prove to be a fantastic addition to the Liverpool squad. He possesses explosive pace and fantastic dribbling ability. Primarily deployed on the right flank, he likes to burst past defenders and cut the ball back for his strikers to attack, or cut inside and take a shot at goal himself. Last season, the young Italian averaged 1.5 key passes, 1.6 dribbles, and two shots per game in Serie A.
Despite standing at just 175cm, Chiesa is a powerful athlete; his strength and agility make him hard to dispossess. Like most modern-day attackers, he is versatile and can play in multiple positions. He can be deployed as a centre-forward, an attacking midfielder, or even on the left wing.
Chiesa is not the greatest of finishers, but he still gets on the scoresheet quite regularly, as evidenced by his 15-goal return last season.
The 23-year-old also has a great engine. He presses aggressively to win the ball back in advanced areas, which would make him a fantastic fit at Liverpool.
Chiesa may initially have to play second fiddle to Salah at the Merseyside club, but at 23, he represents a great long-term replacement for the Egyptian.
