Premier League giants Liverpool are continuing talks with Juventus for Federico Chiesa and with each passing hour, Barcelona’s anxiousness keeps growing.
The winger has been a top priority for Barcelona, who are eager to strengthen their left wing before the transfer window closes. Just a few days ago, it seemed certain that Barca would easily secure Chiesa, but Liverpool’s late entry into this transfer race now appears to have changed everything.
Some rumours have been suggesting that Barcelona are still the favourites to sign the Italian international however, Fabrizio Romano has made it clear that Liverpool are not going away without a proper fight.
He has said on X: “Liverpool and Juventus are in direct contact for Federico Chiesa deal.
“Negotiations are ongoing and deal is on, as exclusively revealed yesterday. Talks taking place with both player side on salary and club side on fee around €15m. Deal absolutely ON since yesterday.”
Why are Liverpool so interested in the Juventus winger?
Liverpool may not have made any signings this summer, but the last thing they need is another attacker. Arne Slot already has a plethora of talent at his disposal, with players like Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Nunez, Jota, and Mo Salah. Their midfield and defence might look shaky at times but Liverpool’s forward line remains one of the most formidable in the Premier League.
Despite having such a strong set of attackers, there are two major reasons why Liverpool are showing interest in the Juventus winger.
Firstly, Federico Chiesa has less than 12 months remaining on his contract and Juventus are demanding just €15 million for someone who is valued at €35 million. Liverpool have been a major flop in the transfer market but if they can get Chiesa for €15 million, it will actually be one of the bargain buys of the summer.
Secondly, although Chiesa is primarily a left-winger, the 26-year-old can play across the entire forward line. He can operate on either wing, as a No. 10, a supporting striker, or even as a centre-forward. His versatility would be priceless for Arne Slot, as he could theoretically serve as backup for every Liverpool attacker.
What will Barca do if they miss out on Federico Chiesa?
Hansi Flick is very clear that he needs to sign a new left-winger before deadline day and currently, Federico Chiesa is the only target for Deco and Laporta.
However, if Chiesa snubs the Catalans and chooses to join Liverpool then there’s a fitting chance that Barca won’t be able to go after any alternative.
The Spanish giants have not been able to sign Nico Williams due to their financial problems and they have also backed out of their pursuit of Luis Diaz because Liverpool are demanding at least €80 million for the South American.
They have also been linked with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford but Manchester United will not sell Rashford while Sancho is being linked with a move to Chelsea. Kingsley Coman has also been on Flick’s wishlist but the Bayern Munich misfit is on his way to Al-Hilal.
We are expecting Barcelona to continue their pursuit of Federico Chiesa, as Deco is well aware that they lack both the time and the finances to make a deadline day signing.
