The deal taking Federico Chiesa back to Juventus looked bound to happen, but he may yet be a Liverpool player come the end of the window.
Earlier this week, reports out of Italy claimed Juventus were full-steam ahead on Chiesa — their sole focus for an attacking addition.
The Italian has not been a consistent starter for Arne Slot, sitting on the fringes and possibly growing tired of warming the bench.
mail iconJoin our newsletter for news & smart analysis.
Federico Chiesa is being disrespected by Arne Slot! How would you use the Italian vs Tottenham?
“It just doesn’t seem like he trusts him [Chiesa]. I know when they lost at Plymouth, Slot was furious with Chiesa.”
Lewis Steele on Federico Chiesa
Federico Chiesa of Liverpool F.C. looks on during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield
Credit: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
When the opportunity to return to Turin arose, he was reportedly keen on the idea. However, a twist in the tale sees Juventus turn to an alternate targets.
Juventus now prioritising Jean-Philippe Mateta and Daniel Maldini over Federico Chiesa
Unfortunately for Chiesa, but welcome news for many Liverpool fans, Juventus are pursuing other targets.
That’s according to Gianluca Di Marzio, who revealed: “Negotiations are underway between Juventus, Crystal Palace, and Mateta’s agents. Daniel Maldini’s name is also being considered, but he’s not the alternative option: both could arrive.”
Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace looks on during the Emirates FA Cup Final match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Juventus are already in talks with Mateta’s agents, and have further plans that don’t include Chiesa.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
He continues: “But that’s not all. Juventus is also moving forward with Daniel Maldini, who isn’t an alternative solution. So, both could arrive.”
Chiesa has fallen down the pecking order of transfer priorities, and the deal he wanted might well be off the table.
Fabrizio Romano on Juventus cost issue with Chiesa
Mateta could be gone in the very near future. Things are falling apart at Crystal Palace.
After him is Maldini, currently playing for Atalanta, but he is looking to move and there is one factor that takes him ahead of the Liverpool fan-favourite.
As Fabrizio Romano explained on his YouTube channel: “Let’s say that if Juventus were to make a major investment up front, like that of Mateta, they could choose to proceed with Maldini. Therefore, a different formula. Now, one can think about a more advantageous formula than actually going out to buy a player like Federico Chiesa.
“At this point, as I was saying, Chiesa would have to be a loan with an obligation with a significant salary. Maldini has a much more sustainable salary. He can be bought from Atalanta with a much more advantageous formula. And therefore, he remains a name on Juve’s list.”
It’s for the best. Liverpool have shown no intentions of signing a wide player and the squad is stretched thin as is.
How much longer should Liverpool persevere with Curtis Jones?
Surely there are better options out there in the market…
Curtis Jones lines up ahead of Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan at San Siro (Getty Images/Photo Agency).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Photo Agency
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
He won’t let his head drop whatever happens and could yet have a big part to play in the business end of Liverpool’s season.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox