Juventus star offers himself to Barcelona as low-cost option in summer transfer window: Reports
Still plagued by financial troubles, FC Barcelona's summer transfer plans have been halted on multiple occasions till now. The Catalan club had made Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams one of their primary targets for the window after his exploits in Euro 2024. But they're still awaiting a definitive response from the player regarding a proposed move.
The winger’s hesitations stem from doubts about Barcelona’s ability to register him in La Liga, as well as his reluctance to part ways with Bilbao pre-maturely.
While the signing of Dani Olmo is entering the final stages, the club is still on the lookout for an out-and-out left winger.
Now, according to El Nacional, the Blaugrana have been presented with an alternative to Williams, with Federico Chiesa signaling his willingness to join Barcelona. The Italian winger's career has been marred by injuries, resulting in a significant decline in form. Hence, Juventus are open to offers for the 26-year-old, with a reported asking price of €15 million, as his contract expires next summer.
Although Chiesa is eager to don the red and blue stripes, Barcelona’s sports management, led by Deco, is not yet actively pursuing his signing, the report further stated. However, if Nico Williams ends up staying at Bilbao and the economic constraints necessitate a cost-effective solution, Chiesa could emerge as a viable option for Barcelona.
How will Federico Chiesa fit in at FC Barcelona?
Juventus' new gaffer Thiago Motta has asserted that Federico Chiesa isn't part of his plans and has made the player's availability known. With his injury history and underwhelming performances last season, which saw him return with 10 goals and three assists in 37 appearances, the head coach's decision doesn't come as an absolute surprise.
Following his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear two years ago, the Italian has been a mere shadow himself. Once renowned for his dynamic play and driving runs, Chiesa’s recent performances have fallen short of his previous high standards.
But if he comes at a discounted price, Hansi Flick might opt to go for the Italian. With Ansu Fati injured, the club is down to their final left-wing option in Ferran Torres. Chiesa would fit perfectly in the German tactician's system that often uses one of the wingers as an inside forward. The Italian's movement off-the-ball movement is still elite, but his fitness concerns will give the La Liga giants a few headaches.