Arsenal are in the market for a winger for several reasons, and Mikel Arteta now has the opportunity to add an established player to his squad.
The Gunners have been linked with a lot of different wide attackers, with younger stars such as Nico Williams on the radar, as Arsenal need to add more speed to their attacking roster.
Cover is also needed for Bukayo Saka, as the England star has been heavily relied upon, perhaps to his own detriment in terms of fatigue and burnout.
An attacker who can add speed and goal output from both wings would be the ideal addition, and a top-quality option has emerged in Juventus star Federico Chiesa.
Arsenal could land bargain in Juventus star Federico Chiesa
Chiesa, 26, was one of Europe’s best-attacking prospects when he was developing, initially at Fiorentina before a big-money move to Juventus in 2022, after a two-year loan.
The speedy winger, who has also played upfront, on both flanks and even behind the striker, was a standout player at the European Championships in 2021, as Italy beat England in the final to win the tournament at Wembley.
He was then struck down by a long-term anterior cruciate ligament injury which kept him out for some time, and the last year has been one in which he has tried to recover his best fitness and form.
With one year remaining on his contract at Juventus, Italian outlet TuttoJuve have now reported that he could be allowed to leave for a fee of around £34m, with Arsenal, Newcastle and Chelsea among the clubs interested.
Chiesa scored nine times and provided three assists in Serie A for Juventus this season, in a campaign where the Old Lady finished third, but manager Max Allegri was dismissed after yet another year of turgid football.
Arsenal can repeat Leandro Trossard success with Federico Chiesa
Arsenal appear to be targeting younger players in this transfer window, but at 26, Chiesa is still yet to hit his prime, and despite his previous injury struggles, still brings blistering pace on and off the ball, ranking in the top 3% of European forwards for progressive carries.
In January 2023, Arsenal sprung a surprise when they signed 28-year-old Brighton attacker Leandro Trossard, but this proved to be a masterstroke. The Belgian brought a wealth of experience to the attack, and has played in a variety of positions with a strong goal output.
Chiesa could arrive as a similar signing, with nearly 300 appearances and 66 goals in Italian football to his name, and as a versatile option to strengthen the squad in multiple positions.
The Italy star would add the pace Arsenal currently lack at times, and playing in a more attacking system under Mikel Arteta could help him regain his full confidence and hit his previously “world-class” levels at the Emirates.
Chiesa is a player who could cover superbly for Saka on the right wing, or play alongside him on the left, in the midfield or as a false nine if required, and given his contract situation, the potential fee mooted for him is a bargain given his stature.