Transfer Talk: Chelsea's Chiesa chase boosted as Juventus struggle

Chelsea are ready to capitalise on Juventus' struggles to launch an £85million swoop for Federico Chiesa.

Chiesa impressed during Italy's Euro 2020 triumph but has endured a frustrating second season on loan with the Old Lady. 

Injuries have derailed the 24-year-old Fiorentina striker's campaign and he has found the net just once in 12 league games for Juve. 

A thigh problem sustained in last Saturday's home defeat to Atalanta could now rule him out until after Christmas.

Chiesa's form is one of many concerns for coach Max Allegri, with his side struggling to stay in top-four contention and suffering off-field issues.

Should Juve fail to stem the tide and miss out on qualification for next season's Champions League, Chiesa could be offloaded to balance the books.

Calciomercato say Chelsea are strong contenders to sign the highly-rated forward when the Turin side's loan deal with Fiorentina expires at the end of the season.

Clauses in Chiesa's contract mean the Italian giants are obligated to purchase the Genoa-born talent for £34m.

But according to reports, an agreement may be struck with the Blues to keep all parties happy, with the hitman moving to London in a megabucks deal that would see Juve more than double their money.

In other news

Barcelona have offered Manchester United the chance to sign Philippe Coutinho, according to SPORT.

The Brazilian, 29, joined the Catalan club in 2018 for a fee that could rise to £142m but the midfielder may leave the Camp Nou for as little as £30m.

Despite scoring in Barca's 3-1 victory at Villarreal last Saturday, the ex-Liverpool ace is said to be out of favour under new coach Xavi.

De Telegraaf believe Ajax are keen to bring in Tottenham midfielder Steven Bergwijn on an initial loan deal.

And Goal suggest Real Madrid are confident they will land Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger on a free transfer.

The German is out of contract next summer, with Bayern Munich also interested in a move for the German international.