Mikel Arteta, the manager of a football club, has identified Fredrico Chiesa from Serie A as his top target for transfer, despite the player previously rejecting a move to the Premier League.
According to a recent report from Italian publication Calciomercato, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has identified Juventus star Federico Chiesa as his top transfer target for the upcoming summer window. The 25-year-old Italian international winger is considered one of the most exciting players in the world when at his best, and impressed during Euro 2020 where he was named in the tournament’s best XI.
The Gunners are currently sitting at the top of the Premier League, five points clear of Manchester City, and are looking to strengthen their squad in order to maintain their title credentials. The club has already made several moves in the January transfer window, signing Leandro Trossard from Brighton and Jakub Kiwior from Spezia, as well as reportedly closing in on a deal for Real Valladolid’s Ivan Fresneda.
Arteta has also admitted that the team is eager to sign another midfielder before the transfer window closes next Tuesday, with Everton’s Amadou Onana and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi being linked with the club. However, a move for Chiesa would undoubtedly excite Arsenal fans the most.
Juventus, who have been deducted 15 points following an investigation into their past transfer business, could be forced to make sales in the summer due to the potential impact on the club’s revenue of missing out on the Champions League. The Old Lady have denied any wrongdoing and plan to appeal the decision.
The Italian international has had interest from the Premier League before, and reportedly even turned down a move to Liverpool before signing for Juventus. However, an ACL injury suffered just months after his international heroics has severely restricted his game time this season, with him playing only six times in Serie A and claiming two assists.
It remains to be seen if Arsenal’s interest in Chiesa will lead to a transfer, but it is clear that Arteta sees the winger as a key piece in his plans to solidify the team’s position at the top of the league.