Arsenal to face Chelsea transfer battle as £21m bargain target 'banished' from Serie A

Federico Chiesa is one of eight stars who are said to have been told to depart their current club Juventus, with the Turin side undergoing a huge overhaul of their squad.

The news of Chiesa’s availability is set to capture the attention of several Premier League clubs, including Tottenham, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, all of whom have been linked with a move for the winger.

Juventus have failed to win the Serie A title during their last four campaigns, having previously done so for nine consecutive seasons. Thiago Motta has since come in as manager, taking over from Massimiliano Allegri and is said to have told Chiesa, ex-Arsenal star Wojciech Szczesny and six other stars to find another home for the 2024/25 season.

Speaking during a press conference after the club’s 2-2 pre-season friendly against Brest, Motta said: “They are out of the project and they have to find a new club. We are convinced this is the best decision possible.”

The former Bologna head coach added: “Yes, Chiesa’s absence is related to the market. This is both for Federico and the others who remained in Turin with the exception of Miretti who is injured. We made it clear after speaking with all the lads. We have strong players, accustomed to continuity. At this moment the club is looking for solutions elsewhere, they must find them as soon as possible for everyone’s sake.”

26-year-old winger Chiesa’s departure will arguably be the most surprising after previously being a poster boy for the team since joining from Fiorentina four years ago. He has, however, endured a frustrating time with injuries with Motta evidently believing he cannot be part of a potential Serie A winning squad next season.

He is now said to be hopeful of a Premier League arrival with several London sides, including both Chelsea and Arsenal, keeping tabs on the Euro 2020 winner.

Chelsea have already welcomed eight stars to Stamford Bridge this summer while Gunners fans are waiting in anticipation for their club’s second summer signing following Riccardo Calafiori’s welcome in N7.

While Juventus purchased the star for £38m, after initially bringing him in on loan, reports at the start of July - when Roma appeared to be interested in a potential deal - indicated that the 51-capped Italian star could be available for closer to £17m.

Now, however, it has been noted by TeamTalk that Chiesa’s agent Fali Ramadani has failed to convince any Premier League side to pay upwards of £21m and the Italian could be sold for as little as £12.8min the summer.