Juventus have reportedly lowered their asking price for winger Federico Chiesa to just €15m (£12.8m) as they desperately try to offload the Euro 2020 winner.
The Italy international has been running down the terms of contract, which now has a little under 12 months left to run, and there are no signs of an extension being agreed.
As a result, Juventus are fighting tooth and nail to find a new stomping ground for Chiesa in the summer window lest they risk losing the 26-year-old for nothing in the summer of 2025.
A switch to the Premier League has been mooted for Chiesa for some time, as Liverpool have long been linked with a move for the ex-Fiorentina attacker as a possible Mohamed Salah replacement.
Chelsea are also said to have registered their interest in signing Chiesa, who was nowhere to be seen in Juventus' squad for their 2-2 friendly draw with Ligue 1 outfit Brest on Saturday.
© Imago
Liverpool, Chelsea 'handed major Chiesa boost'
Following claims that the winger was one of a staggering eight players banished from the Juventus squad, head coach Thiago Motta confirmed to Sky Italia that he had been left out for transfer reasons.
"Chiesa is out for transfer market reasons, both him and the others who stayed at home, except [Fabio] Miretti who is injured. We were clear with them. They are good but they have to look for solutions where they can play more," Motta said.
"Both for Chiesa and the others these are decisions made. We have to improve day by day and give joy to the fans who come to support this team and they deserve it. It is important to prepare well and improve in the game we want to see. I have seen an improvement from the first game, it is normal within a growth path."
In another sign that Juventus are desperate to get Chiesa off the books, journalist Mirko Di Natale claims that the Old Lady are now prepared to accept as little as €15m (£12.8m) for the attacker this summer.
The Bianconeri were previously hoping to recoup around €25m (£21.4m) to €30m (£25.7m) for the Italy international, but they have now accepted that they will make a significant loss on the €44.6m (£38.2m) that they paid Fiorentina for his services in 2022.
‼️Alla luce degli ultimi avvicendamenti, la valutazione di Federico #Chiesa è ora di 15mln € (e non più di 25/30 come un mese fa). https://t.co/MAXjpIi3kN pic.twitter.com/1oXJ40FCmH
— Mirko Di Natale (@_Morik92_) August 4, 2024
Chiesa had already spent two seasons on loan at Juventus before making his switch permanent, and he boasts 32 goals and 23 assists in 131 matches for the Old Lady, winning two Coppa Italia titles and one Italian Super Cup.
The 26-year-old is said to have been on Liverpool's radar ever since shining during Italy's run to Euro 2020 glory, but he failed to score or assist in the 2024 tournament as the defending champions crashed out in the last 16.
What is the latest on Salah's Liverpool situation?
Liverpool would be expected to ramp up their pursuit of Chiesa if no new deal can be agreed with Salah, who is currently in the last 12 months of his Anfield agreement and is a long-term target for the Saudi Pro League.
The Egypt international's future was called into question following the announcement of Jurgen Klopp's exit, but he is expected to stay at the Reds for Arne Slot's debut campaign and has been heavily involved in pre-season.
New sporting director Richard Hughes is prioritising contract talks with Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk this summer, but a sale cannot be ruled out if the attacker refuses to sign an extension.
Ben Knapton
