Arsenal and Newcastle United are reportedly set to battle for the signature of Juventus winger Federico Chiesa this summer.
The 25-year-old has been linked with an exit from the cash-strapped Italian giants, who were deducted 10 points in the 2022-23 season following an investigating into the club's transfer dealings and finished seventh in Serie A, subsequently failing to qualify for the Champions League.
Chiesa has been unable to express his talent over the last two seasons due to lengthy spells on the sidelines through injury, and the Italian was reduced to just 11 starts in all competitions in 2022-23.
The former Fiorentina man excelled in his first year at Juve, though, recording 15 goals and 11 assists in 46 matches in 2020-21 before starring for Euro 2020 winners Italy, and the winger is hoping to reach those same heights again in the 2023-24 campaign.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Chiesa, but it is understood that Juventus are prepared to cash in on their No.7 due to their financial concerns.
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According to La Repubblica, Premier League duo Arsenal and Newcastle, who have qualified for next season's Champions League, have both entered the race to sign Chiesa.
The report adds that Juve have already identified Nicolo Zaniolo as a potential replacement for Chiesa, with the Galatasaray attacker – who joined the Turkish club in January – possessing a £30m release clause in his contract.
Both Arsenal and Newcastle are keen to strengthen a number of areas within their first-team squads as they embark on competing in four different competitions in the new season.
Mikel Arteta is currently prioritising a pursuit of top target Declan Rice, but it is thought that the Gunners boss is also looking to bolster his options in attack, with both Chiesa and Chelsea's Kai Havertz among his list of targets.
Meanwhile, Eddie Howe may consider a summer swoop for Chiesa if the Magpies part ways with Allan Saint-Maximin, who cast doubt over his long-term future with a cryptic social media post earlier this month.
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Arsenal and Newcastle will likely face competition for Chiesa's signature from a number of other top European clubs including Liverpool and Real Madrid.
Jurgen Klopp is said to 'adore' Chiesa, who was allegedly the subject of a £86m bid from the Reds two seasons ago, which was ultimately rejected by Juve.
A recent report claims that Juve are now willing to sell Chiesa if they receive an offer of at least €60m (£51m) this summer.
Chiesa, who has also attracted interest from Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, is under contract in Turin until the summer of 2025.
Oliver Thomas
