Liverpool have reportedly received a major boost in their pursuit of Juventus attacker Federico Chiesa, who could serve as a replacement for Mohamed Salah at Anfield next season.
Salah was previously linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League last summer, and there is widespread expectation that another significant offer could be made for him in the upcoming transfer window.
The Egyptian international has been an ever-present for the Reds since joining them back in 2017, although he now has only one year left on his current deal with the Merseyside outfit.
Liverpool now seem to be planning for the possibility of Salah's departure this summer and have received encouragement to step up their efforts in signing Chiesa, who has been on the club's radar for the last few years.
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Juventus slash asking price for Federico Chiesa
Juventus are preparing for life under new head coach Thiago Motta, and according to Sky Sports Italy, the Italian forward does not feature in new boss's plans.
The report adds that contract talks between the player's entourage and the club have reached an impasse, and the Serie A giants are now willing to consider offers from as little as £21m, after previously valuing the player at around £70m last summer.
It is understood that the Italian international has no intention of agreeing to Juventus's plans to trim their wage bill, which has led to a perceived deadlock in the relationship between the two parties.
With Chiesa having just one year remaining on his current contract, this summer might offer Juve the perfect opportunity to cash in on their 26-year-old attacker, and it is believed that the player's representatives have already begun informing potential suitors of his availability.
Among the sides that have been also linked with a possible move for the Italian forward are Newcastle United and Roma.
Scouts from Liverpool were reportedly in attendance at the Coppa Italia final, where Chiesa played a significant role in Bianconeri's 1-0 triumph over Atalanta, marking their first major title win in three years.
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Chiesa considered as potential Salah replacement
The 26-year-old boasts a blend of experience and youthfulness, and while he is being considered as a potential successor to Salah, his versatility to play anywhere across the frontline further adds to his appeal.
However, his injury history over the past few years has been concerning, as he has frequently been in and out of the squad following a serious knee injury that saw him miss the majority of the 2021-22 season.
Additionally, despite finishing the last campaign with goals in his last two matches, it followed a dry spell where he managed just one goal in his previous 14 Serie A appearances.
During his time with the Old Lady, Chiesa has made 131 appearances and recorded 55 goal contributions, including scoring 32 himself.
Liverpool finished third in Jurgen Klopp's final season in charge and are expected to bolster their squad in the off-season following Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara's departures, while several existing players futures are still uncertain.
Devesh Jaganath
