Chelsea's Raheem Sterling swap deal offer could cause concern for Arne Slot and Liverpool

Not yet done with their summer of transfer spending, Chelsea could steal a march on Liverpool to wrap up a deal for Federico Chiesa. And it’s by using a former Liverpool player that the Blues could gain an edge over their Premier League rivals.

The Athletic has reported Liverpool are advancing with their plans to sign Juventus and Italy winger Chiesa. The 26-year-old is believed to be available for a bargain fee of around £12.5million due to the fact his contract expires in less than a year.

Arne Slot is still yet to make his first outfield signing as Liverpool manager, and time is fast running out if they’re are to avoid a barren window before Friday’s deadline. However, former Red Raheem Sterling could have a role to play in the matter if he gets a move of his own.

Chelsea were linked with Chiesa earlier in the summer when a potential swap deal involving Chiesa and Sterling was mooted. However, Gianluca Di Marzio reported talks stalled after Chelsea and Juve were too far apart regarding salary and transfer costs.

Fast forward to today, and Enzo Maresca’s side have seemingly shifted their attentions to Manchester United misfit Jadon Sancho. The Blues are in talks to sign the England international, while it’s understood United have also opened discussions to bring Sterling in the opposite direction – though the two transfers aren’t thought to be linked.

In the event Chelsea can’t agree a deal for Sancho but are able to shift Sterling from their books, it’s logical to think a move for Chiesa could be back on the cards. The Premier League outfit appear to be big fans of the Italian, who would be a much more budget-friendly signing than most of their new arrivals under Todd Boehly’s ownership.

And the west Londoners have form when it comes to biding their time before beating rivals to highly coveted stars. That was the same tactic that saw Chelsea sign Mykhailo Mudryk after he appeared to be on the verge of joining Arsenal – though the Gunners may feel they were better off missing out in that instance.

The same was reportedly true for Moises Caicedo after the Ecuadorian appeared close to signing for Liverpool prior to choosing Stamford Bridge as his next home. And Romeo Lavia also snubbed the Merseysiders before ending up in west London.

Chiesa was spotted at an airport on Wednesday, where he confirmed he was on the move after telling reporters he was “sad” to be leaving Juventus. However, he added he was “really excited” for a new adventure, with Liverpool heavily in the running to be his next destination.

Rivals Chelsea will have to work quickly if they’re to offload Sterling and make room for the Italian before Friday’s 11pm deadline. However, the west Londoners have form when it comes to devastating Liverpool’s transfer hopes at the 11th hour.