According to a rumour, Liverpool can only pursue a move for Juventus winger Federico Chiesa if star striker Mohamed Salah departs the club this summer.
The Reds are said to have long admired Chiesa and have lately renewed their interest in the 25-year-old ahead of the new season.
Chiesa is expected to depart Juventus, which was docked 10 points in Serie A last season after an investigation into the club’s transfer transactions and finished seventh, failing to qualify for the Champions League.
The Italy international has been troubled by injuries over the last two seasons with Juve, and he has only made 11 appearances in all tournaments in the 2022-23 season.
However, the winger’s impressive performances in his debut season with the Old Lady in 2020-21 – in which he recorded 15 goals and 11 assists in 46 games before leading Italy to Euro 2020 glory – appear to have not gone unnoticed, as a number of top European clubs are still interested in the former Fiorentina man.
According to a recent rumour, Chiesa’s agent Fali Ramadani came to England to discuss his client’s future amid interest from Premier League quintet Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Newcastle United.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, if a big player leaves this summer, Liverpool and Newcastle could step up their pursuit of Chiesa.
In the case of Liverpool, the source indicates that a possible departure for Salah would be required if Jurgen Klopp’s side were to forward with a deal to sign Chiesa.
Newcastle, meanwhile, is interested in both Chiesa and Leicester City’s Harvey Barnes, although they may have to sell Allan Saint-Maximin to make ends meet.
Salah has acquired legendary status at Anfield since coming from Roma in 2017, having scored 186 goals and registered 79 assists in 305 appearances for the Reds across all competitions.
The 31-year-old has seven championships to his name with the Merseysiders, including the Premier League and Champions League, and is regarded as an important first-team member for Klopp.
Salah, who has apparently received interest from Saudi Arabia, still has three years left on his contract, which he signed last summer, and the attacker is not expected to depart the Reds anytime soon.
Meanwhile, Chiesa has three years left on his contract with Juventus, who will only consider offers of at least €50 million (£42.6 million) for the winger.
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