The Juventus winger might be Liverpool’s ideal successor to Mo Salah.
Following a dismal season last season, Liverpool have already made two acquisitions this summer, and a new update on another potential transfer target has emerged.
What is the most recent update on Liverpool’s interest in Federico Chiesa?
Liverpool are keeping an eye on Federico Chiesa’s situation at Juventus, according to the Italian tabloid Gazzetta Dello Sport (via Sport Witness).
According to the article, the Reds are joined in their pursuit by Newcastle United, who are also interested in signing the dynamic winger this summer.
Chiesa is said to be one of the players let go because he was unsuited to Max Allegri’s tactical style of a 3-5-2 formation.
Liverpool, have you made a bid for Chiesa?
Last month, it was rumoured that Liverpool were preparing a €40 million (£34.4 million) approach for the Serie A standout, termed a “treasure” by Inter Milan director Piero Ausilio, but they have yet to make a serious move for the player, with Juventus demanding €60 million (£51 million).
Some Reds returned to pre-season training on Saturday alongside Jurgen Klopp, who was in good spirits ahead of his preparations for next season and will be hoping that the business done this summer will be enough to improve on Liverpool’s fall from grace during their previous campaign.
While a midfield rebuild has been the club’s major priority thus far, with the signings of Alexis MacAllister and Dominik Szoboszlai, the Merseyside giants may now turn their attention to other vital parts of the pitch to provide depth and much-needed talent.
As a result, with the 31-year-old winger ready to enter the final two years of his extended contract when football resumes next month, the signing of Chiesa might be a wonderful opportunity for Klopp to land his dream Mohamed Salah heir.
Chiesa has received high accolades throughout his career, with former Azzurri striker Antonio Di Natale praising his influence on Italy’s Euro 2020 campaign:
“He’s a player I admire because he’s unpredictable.” He turns right, then left, and performs some impersonations. You never know where he’ll end up.
“He already proved his worth in his first season in Turin.” And he’s proving his talent with some spectacular plays and goals at Euro 2020.”
While the Euro 2020 winner, like Salah, is most prolific as an inverted right-winger, scoring 32 goals and registering 13 assists in 92 appearances, he was used in a variety of roles last season, including left-wing, wing-back, and second striker, with four goals and six assists delivered.
When comparing Chiesa’s output over the last 12 months to that of his Liverpool positional peer, Chiesa provided more assists per 90 (0.42) than Salah (0.32), as well as outperforming the Egyptian in shot-creating actions per 90 (4.10 v 3.75), progressive carries (4.52 v 3.31) and successful take-ons (2.26 v 1.36), demonstrating stronger attributes in ball-winning and successfully challenging opponents.
With that stated, if Liverpool can sign Chiesa this summer, it will be a big coup for the club and will propel Klopp forward in his quest to establish the next generation of success at Anfield.