Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham ‘in talks’ with Jurgen Klopp’s Mo Salah replacement

One of Europe’s premier wingers, who was long admired by Liverpool’s former manager Jurgen Klopp, is now attracting interest from a range of top Premier League clubs

Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham are all reportedly interested in Juventus’ Federico Chiesa – a player who Jurgen Klopp had eyed as his ideal Mohamed Salah replacement.

Italian trickster Chiesa has been linked with a move to England for some time. He caught the eye during Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph, proving a handful for every defender he faced.

An ACL tear in 2022 saw the winger sidelined for seven months, stunting his growth into what could’ve been one of Europe’s best forwards. Chiesa now has a choice to make, as his Juventus deal has just a year left and a new contract has yet to be agreed upon.

Last summer, Jurgen Klopp lined up Chiesa as the man to replace Salah should he move to Saudi Arabia, but Liverpool’s Premier League rivals have now shown an interest in the cut-price ace.

Liverpool’s interest in the forward dates back to his Euros exploits. An ambitious £86million bid in 2021 was reportedly tabled but swiftly rebuked by the Old Lady.

With the Italian’s deal winding down, however, his price tag has allegedly been slashed to just £30m after an unimpressive domestic campaign and zero goal involvements during Italy’s early exit at the hands of Switzerland at Euro 2024.

This prospect has obviously attracted English heavy-hitters like moths to a flame, according to Turin-based outlet La Stampa. They report that Chiesa’s agent, Fali Ramadani, is attempting to negotiate with Spurs, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal as per Tutto Juve.

26-year-old Chiesa chimed in on his future after Juventus lifted their country’s domestic cup last season, stating: “The Coppa Italia and reaching the Champions League were the targets. Our evaluation is that we reached the objectives. We are disappointed because the Scudetto was a dream that disappeared too soon.

Chiesa didn't have the greatest Euro 2024
Chiesa didn’t have the greatest Euro 2024 
Image:
Getty Images)
“I’ve spoken about the renewal with the director. We’ll talk about it at the end of the season,” Chiesa added. “We’ll sit down calmly, discuss our projects, and continue talking.”

These talks have not progressed well so far. The two parties remain in reported disagreement over the length of Chiesa’s new deal and his salary, which Juventus allegedly wishes to lower.

Tottenham require a forward, having never entirely replaced Harry Kane’s goals, but reportedly don’t hold any concrete interest in the Italian. Arsenal need that catalyst to help them finally taste league title success while United may seek help up-top with Rasmus Hojlund sidelined for six weeks, and Chelsea also need another tricky winger to help them improve on their sixth-placed finish last season.

Liverpool dream XI as Arne Slot targets ambitious double transfer involving Anthony Gordon

Liverpool, now under the guidance of Arne Slot, have not yet shown an interest in the Italian this summer despite the Salah conundrum remaining.

The Dutchman’s side are yet to dip their toes into the transfer market but were interested in Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon before his club’s stance changed, and still hold an interest in the Englishman. Valued at a whopping £100m, rekindling interest in Chiesa may not be a terrible idea, as the Reds must prepare for life without Salah eventually.