Liverpool ‘already started contacts’ – Reds can secure signing for lower price, player’s exit ‘getting closer’

Liverpool have stepped in to sign Juventus’ Federico Chiesa late in the window, according to multiple claims from Italy.

The winger is out of Thiago Motta’s plans this season. He has less than a year left on his deal and his future is away the Serie A side.

According to Sky Italia, Liverpool have joined Barcelona in the battle for the 26-year-old.

Chiesa’s entourage wants the La Liga side to assure within 24 hours that they can buy him. If not, they will explore the track leading to the Merseyside club.

Calciomercato.it state the Reds will ‘challenge’ Barcelona and could ‘mess up’ their plans for the former Fiorentina man.

The Italy international’s exit is ‘getting closer and closer’ and these are ‘decisive’ hours and days to sort out his future. Barca are a concrete option, but Liverpool’s strong interest has emerged in the last few hours.

Arne Slot’s side have ‘already started contacts’ with Juventus technical director Cristiano Giuntoli to buy the player. He knows how to communicate very well in English and is willing to make a switch to the Premier League.

Juve value Chiesa at €15m but are willing to settle for less, to get rid of his €14m per year salary from their wage bill. This can allow Liverpool or another club to secure his services for a lower price.

Chiesa has been linked with half the Premier League this summer, with the majority of the clubs said to be keen not on the same statue as Liverpool.

For him to now have Barcelona and the Reds battling for him feels difficult to believe, or an incredibly fortunate turn of events for the player.