Transfer Talk: Blues ready to break the bank for Juve star Chiesa

Premier League leaders Chelsea are reportedly plotting an eye-watering £84million bid for Juventus forward Federico Chiesa.

The Blues, who raided Serie A to bring Romelu Lukaku home from Inter Milan for £97.5m in the summer, could soon be back for more, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.

Chiesa, 24, scored the only goal in Turin as his current club edged out Chelsea 1-0 in September.

The return fixture was less enjoyable, however, with the Blues thrashing Juve 4-0 at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening.

Chiesa has racked up 17 goals and 13 assists in all competitions for the Old Lady since the start of last season and is considered one of Europe’s brightest talents.

He also shone in Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph, gaining plaudits for an outstanding performance in the final as the Azzurri overcame England on penalties.

Technically still on loan from Fiorentina, Juve will make his two-year switch permanent in the summer for a fee of around £40m.

But with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich having identified him as a top target, they could have the opportunity to instantly double their money.

Chiesa has shown himself to be remarkably versatile, operating comfortably off both flanks and through the middle as a central striker.

Also capable of playing in attacking midfield, Thomas Tuchel would undoubtedly welcome such an addition to the ranks of the current European champions.

In other news

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure from Manchester United has left Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial open-minded about staying at Old Trafford — but Jesse Lingard still intends to leave.

The Daily Mail say that while other wantaway stars are happy to see who comes in as their new boss, 28-year-old Lingard is ready for a fresh start away from his boyhood club.

Wolves will listen to offers for winger Adama Traore in January, opening the door for Liverpool to make their move.

Football Insider say the men from Molineux need to raise funds to make in-form forward Hee Chan Hwang’s move from RB Leipzig permanent and Traore is considered most likely to depart.

Ex-Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes that Kylian Mbappe could still "easily" end up leaving Paris Saint-Germain for Newcastle next summer, as quoted in the Express.

Frenchman Petit, 51, said of Mbappe’s situation: "We see what's happened with Newcastle United — there have been rumours, and you never know what's going to happen at the end of the day. 

"Things can turn very easily and very quickly. I think he's been frustrated and tired by the situation at PSG over the past year."