Newcastle United are reportedly getting closer to signing Juventus winger Federico Chiesa as Eddie Howe wants to bolster his team this summer.
The £55m signing of Sandro Tonali may not be the Magpies’ only activity in Italy this transfer window, with a move for Chiesa seeming more likely than ever.
Could Federico Chiesa join Newcastle?
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle has been ‘given’ the opportunity to sign Chiesa this summer.
According to the source, the 25-year-old would prefer a move to a Champions League club, giving the North East club an advantage over fellow reputed suitors for his signature, Aston Villa.
It’s also been stated that Juventus are ‘willing to sell’ players like Chiesa and Dusan Vlahovic for the appropriate price, with the winger valued at €60 million (£51 million).
Federico Chiesa, how good are you?
Chiesa was regarded as one of the top Italian wingers after joining Juventus on a permanent basis last summer after a two-year loan from Fiorentina.
The 25-year-old’s quality is rarely contested, but the clouds that linger over him cast a grey hue over his presence, with him missing an incredible amount of games due to injuries over the last several years.
According to Transfermarkt, the Italian has missed 66 games since joining in Turin, including a devastating anterior cruciate ligament injury in January of last year.
While his fitness is a concern, the ability on display when the Genova-born ace is fit is certainly worth a risk.
Chiesa solidified himself as one of the top forwards in Serie A in his final full season at Fiorentina, scoring 10 and assisting six in 34 games to highlight the levels accessible in a fully fit year, according to WhoScored.
Newcastle might benefit greatly from bringing in a famed winger like the Italian, with a vacancy on the left wing rumored to open up.
According to the Telegraph, Howe may choose to sell Allan Saint-Maximin in order to acquire finances this summer.
The Frenchman made just 12 starts for the Magpies last season, scoring one goal, sparking speculation that he could leave the North East.
Howe may lose a dynamic wide player if he sells Saint-Maximin, but he may acquire just that by acquiring Chiesa.
Described as a “threat” by scout Antonio Mango, the 25-year-old is still among the finest in Europe, as evidenced by his standing in the top 4% of those in his position in terms of assists per 90 minutes, averaging 0.42, according to FBref.
The Italian also excelled in his creative play, averaging 2.11 critical passes per 90 minutes in Serie A last season, as well as 0.63 goal creating actions per 90 minutes.
While Saint-Maximin is a direct threat in the final third, Newcastle might use Chiesa’s talents in his absence, a move that could be attributed to the club’s European success if the Italian gets enough game time.
Staying fit will be a challenge for both wingers, but Howe might secure the signing of a valuable player among Europe’s best if he can incorporate Chiesa into St James’ Park.
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