Arsenal have contacted Juventus to inquire about a possible deal for Italian winger Federico Chiesa, according to Tuttosport (via Sport Mediaset).
Chiesa wasn’t part of Thiago Motta’s squad that travelled to Germany to kick off pre-season preparations, with the club keen to sell the Italian winger this summer.
The 26-year-old has entered the final year of his contract, and the Bianconeri want to cash in on him to avoid losing him on a free transfer next year.
Chiesa is valued at £29 million on Transfermarkt, but reports suggest Juventus will consider offers of around £20m for the former Fiorentina forward.
The electrifying winger has struggled with injuries for the past couple of years but still has the quality to be a difference-maker.
However, the player doesn’t feature in Motta’s long-term plans and could leave the Serie A giants this summer after four years in Turin.
Given his concerning injury record, potential suitors are not lining up to lure him away from the Allianz Stadium, but Arsenal, Manchester United, and AS Roma have registered an interest.
The Gunners are in the market for a wide player to cover for Bukayo Saka, who has barely gotten a breather since breaking through the ranks at the club.
Chiesa can be deployed in several attacking positions and would be a useful addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad, but Arsenal are still keeping their options open.
Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams is believed to be high up Arsenal’s summer wishlist, but they need to offload fringe players before making a bid for the Spaniard.
Williams has a £49m release clause in his contract and will command significant wages. He reportedly pockets around £170,000 per week at Bilbao.
Arsenal are moving at a snail’s pace this summer. David Raya’s permanent signing has been the only addition to Arteta’s squad thus far, but Riccardo Calafiori is poised to join the club in the coming days.
Stats from Sofascore.com
