Chelsea handed Sterling BOOST as Barcelona contact Leao alternative

Cameron Smith

• 20 Aug 2024 22:15 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona are interested in signing Juventus outcast Federico Chiesa and are now in contact with the Italian’s representatives.

Chiesa, 26, has just one year left on his current contract at the Allianz Stadium and he is expected to leave the club following Thiago Motta’s recent comments.

Ahead of a 2-2 pre-season friendly draw against Stade Brestois in early August, the new Juventus boss admitted to Italian media: “Chiesa is out for transfer reasons, the same as the others who were left behind, other than Fabio Miretti who is injured.

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“We have been very clear with them. They are talented, but must find other options where they will get more playing time. For Chiesa and the others, the decision has been made.”

Fali Ramadani, Chiesa’s agent, is now in discussions with Barcelona regarding the potential terms of a deal, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

The Blaugrana are searching for a new left winger following their inability to sign Athletic Club star Nico Williams, and Chiesa is an option being explored by the Spanish giants.

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Chelsea have also been linked with a move for Chiesa and they even reportedly failed with an attempt to include Raheem Sterling in a swap deal for the Italy international.

While a swap deal is unlikely to happen due to discrepancies regarding each player's value, Juventus remain interested in the Chelsea man and could pursue a move if they are able to offload Chiesa.

With Barcelona now interested in the Italy international, Chelsea may be able to offload Sterling to Turin.

Barcelona want Rafael Leao

It comes after Mundo Deportivo’s report that AC Milan superstar Rafael Leao is currently on Barcelona’s radar.

The Portuguese international has been linked with both Arsenal and Chelsea over the past 12 months, but Barca have now expressed their interest and could propose a player-plus-cash swap deal in order to sign the Milan winger.