Chiesa has fallen out of favour with Juventus boss Thiago Motta
Federico Chiesa has named Steven Gerrard as his favourite out of the Premier League midfield debate between Frank Lampard, Paul Scholes and the Liverpool icon. And the choice will only endear the Italian forward further to Anfield supporters, with many hoping he seals a move to the club before Friday’s deadline.
Chiesa’s time at Juventus looks over under manager Thiago Motta, who has frozen the star out of the first-team squad. Liverpool are now in position to snap up the 26-year-old for a bargain price, with reports suggesting a fee of just £13million could be enough to secure his signature as they consider a deal.
As hopes grow over a potential transfer, Chiesa’s past comments have resurfaced where he made a Liverpool-led choice back in May 2022. He was quizzed on who he’d have in his midfield out of Gerrard, Scholes and Lampard. Chiesa didn’t hesitate with his answer, as he simply responded: “Stevie G.”
This nod to the Liverpool legend, who boasts an illustrious trophy cabinet including a Champions League title, two FA Cups, and three League Cups, will help get fans onside if he does secure a move to Merseyside.
Chiesa is no stranger to silverware himself, having clinched two Coppa Italias and a Supercoppa Italiana in just two seasons at Juventus. The star secured a move to the club in 2022 following a successful loan spell – but his time at Juve will be up soon.
With his contract set to expire next summer, the Italian club are keen to sell him soon to avoid the 26-year-old leaving on a free transfer.
Chiesa named Gerrard as his top pick in the age-old Premier League midfield debate
Liverpool chiefs are now mulling over a bid for Chiesa, as reports suggest that negotiations have started following an approach for the Italian star, and he could still make a move to England. The potential bargain price could tempt Arne Slot to the transfer, as the new Reds boss is yet to make a signing in this window.
Chiesa has racked up 131 appearances in total for Juventus, scoring 32 goals and providing 23 assists during his time at the club. His attacking prowess – which helped Italy clinch Euro 2020 – could be a useful addition for Slot to strengthen his front line further.
This would ease the burden on players like Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota as they aim to compete for success across four competitions.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1941060/Federico-Chiesa-Steven-Gerrard-Liverpool-debate