Liverpool, Chelsea and Bayern set to reignite Chiesa interest - do they need him?
After an excellent 2020/21, Federico Chiesa is reportedly top of pile when it comes to transfer targets for the elite European sides.
The 23-year-old winger was electric during this summer's European Championship, and it was that form, combined with his 12 goals and nine assists in Serie A and the Champions League last season, that prompted exit talk.
He was touted for a transfer to either the Premier League, with Liverpool or Chelsea, or to Germany, with Bayern Munich. A move didn't pan out, however, and the Italian superstar stayed put in Turin.
But, those three clubs, all of whom were heavily interested in Chiesa this summer, are reportedly now back in for the Juventus wide-man.
That is according to Calciomercato, who have revealed that Chelsea are the most likely to launch a bid, but both Liverpool and Bayern remain keen on signing the player.
It's believed that Chelsea actually offered €100 million for Chiesa in the summer, but it was turned down by Juventus, who know the talent they have on their hands. However, that reportedly hasn't put the Blues off, who are now reportedly preparing another assault to land him.
Do Chelsea need Chiesa?
As the side looking the most likely to formally place an offer for Chiesa, Chelsea are the frontrunners for his signature, but they shouldn't be. While the Italian would arguably become Chelsea's best attacker bar Romelu Lukaku immediately, the plethora of options already at the club ensure a deal wouldn't make sense.
Callum Hudson-Odoi's future at the club would surely be over, as would Hakim Ziyech's, or potentially Christian Pulisic's.
Chiesa is an outstanding talent, he has the aura of a superstar, and his dynamic style of play that sees him always thinking forward would actually help Thomas Tuchel's side a lot. However, while he would suit the side perfectly, they don't need him, at least not right now.
Do Liverpool need Chiesa?
A lot more than Chelsea, yes. Diogo Jota has added much needed depth to Liverpool's attack, but they still need more. Roberto Firmino has dropped off recently, as has Sadio Mane, and another world class forward should be a priority next summer.
Chiesa fills that void nicely, although an out-and-out centre forward could be more of a pressing issue. However, Jota's ability to play through the middle should negate that problem, and Chiesa's high-energy, high-action tendencies would align with Jurgen Klopp's blueprint.
In short, yes, Liverpool do need Chiesa, but his price tag could put off a club who have tended to operate shrewdly in the transfer market.
Do Bayern need Chiesa?
Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry, and Kingsley Coman are Bayern's only true wingers in their current squad, and adding further to that depth would push them closer to another Champions League triumph.
Eventually replacing Robert Lewandowski is more urgent, but given Sane's lack of form since moving to Munich, as well as Coman's injury issues, Chiesa would be an excellent addition to the squad.
His ability to play off either flank is invaluable, and like Gnabry, he has that goal-scoring trait from out wide.
Chiesa would be truly outstanding at Bayern.