After talks, door opened for Arsenal to sign cut-price Juventus winger | OneFootball

Arsenal’s hopes of signing Juventus winger Federico Chiesa have received a significant boost as new Juventus manager, Thiago Motta, has publicly declared the Italian international is not in his plans.

This statement paves the way for Arsenal to accelerate their pursuit of the 26-year-old, who is reportedly available for a bargain £13 million.

Chiesa’s arrival would provide much-needed cover and competition for Bukayo Saka, offering Mikel Arteta greater tactical flexibility.

BERLIN, GERMANY – JUNE 29: Federico Chiesa of Italy reacts during the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 match between Switzerland and Italy at Olympiastadion on June 29, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Motta’s unambiguous statement, “Our position on Federico Chiesa hasn’t changed. He’s not part of our plans. We’ve talked. It’s a demonstration of the respect I have for everyone. Transparency, clarity, that’s the way I communicate with my players,” leaves little doubt about Juventus’ willingness to part ways with the winger. This clarity is particularly important given previous reports suggesting Arsenal were already in talks with Chiesa’s agent two weeks ago.

While Chiesa’s form has dipped since his standout performances at Euro 2020, partly due to injury setbacks, his talent and potential remain undeniable. The prospect of acquiring a player of his calibre for £13 million, with his contract expiring next year, represents a tempting opportunity for Arsenal.

ISERLOHN, GERMANY – JUNE 28: Federico Chiesa of Italy arrives at Hemberg-Stadion prior to the Italy training session on June 28, 2024 in Iserlohn, Germany. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images for FIGC)

However, Arsenal face competition from other Premier League clubs, notably Chelsea and Tottenham. Yet, their strong start to the season and Arteta’s attractive project could give them the edge. If successful, Chiesa’s pace, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring ability would add another dimension to Arsenal’s attack, complementing the likes of Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard.

Despite the Chiesa development, Arsenal continue to explore other attacking options, including, reportedly, Nico Williams, Viktor Gyökeres, Victor Osimhen, and Brighton‘s Joao Pedro. Each player brings unique qualities, but Chiesa’s versatility and Serie A experience make him a particularly attractive prospect.