Chiesa ACL affects Man Utd, Arsenal & Barca transfer plans

FT Desk

• 10 Jan 2022 11:59 GMT
• 3 min read

Juventus’ January transfer market will now change after Federico Chiesa suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Chiesa was forced out of Juventus’ thrilling 4-3 win over Roma on Sunday in agony after 32 minutes.

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The 24-year-old initially went down following a challenge from Chris Smalling. After a period of treatment on and off the pitch, he came back on.

But Chiesa then collapsed to the floor holding his left knee when he attempted to change direction and move away from Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

It has now been confirmed that Chiesa has torn his ACL and he is expected to be out for at least six months.

“Exams underwent at the J Medical confirmed an anterior cruciate ligament tear,” a Juventus statement reads.

“It will be necessary to intervene with surgery in the coming days.”

This news will substantially affect Juventus' January transfer plans.

The Bianconeri had planned to sign a central midfielder and striker in the winter window and they intended to sell a number of players in order to raise funds.

Chiesa's injury, though, means they will need to sign a replacement. FootballTransfers understands that Anthony Martial of Man Utd is being considered.

Martial is available on loan this month having requested to leave Old Trafford due to a lack of opportunities. Juventus already tried to sign him a few years ago, but he is also wanted by Sevilla.

Chiesa's setback also means that Dejan Kulusevski and Alvaro Morata will very likely be taken off the market.

Kulusevski had been available for sale this month, with both Arsenal and Tottenham very interested in tabling offers. But the north London duo know that they will probably have to look elsewhere now.

As for Morata, he is Barcelona’s top transfer target and has expressed his desire to make the move. However, Juventus coach Max Allegri has made it clear that Morata will not leave.