Manchester United are reportedly intent on signing £54 million rated forward Federico Chiesa, even as Fiorentina fight to hold onto their star.
According to a report from Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, as carried by Le 10 Sport, Serie A outfit Fiorentina are trying their best to hold on to star attacker Federico Chiesa amid serious interest from Premier League giants Manchester United.
Chiesa is a product of the Fiorentina youth academy, having joined the club in 2007. The 22-year-old burst into the senior team in 2016 and has since gone onto become an integral member of the side, establishing himself as one of the most exciting young attackers in Italy along the way.
Chiesa enjoyed a fine 2018-19 season, during which he banged in 12 goals and assisted 5 more in 41 games and has continued in the same vein of form in the ongoing campaign. So far in 2019-20, the Italian forward has netted 7 goals and set up 5 more in 26 matches in all competitions.
It is this attacking output, coupled with the versatility that Chiesa offers that has made him a subject of interest for many clubs across Europe, including Manchester United. The 22-year-old favours playing on the right flank, but can be equally effective playing across the frontline or even dropping into the No. 10 role.
With Juan Mata not getting any younger and question marks surrounding the futures of Jesse Lingard and Andreas Pereira, it makes sense that Manchester United look to bolster their attack further next summer. To that end, the Red Devils have sent scouts to watch Chiesa multiple times over the course of the season.
While Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho is touted by Manchester United’s primary transfer target, adding Chiesa to their ranks too would be a boost for the 20-time English champions as they look to build a team capable of challenging arch-rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.
Fiorentina, though, have no intention of selling the 22-year-old Italian, who is valued at £54 million. In order to secure Chiesa’s long-term future at the club, the Viola have put forth a bumper contract offer worth €3.5 million per year, which would rise to €4.5 million-a-year without bonuses, over the duration of the deal.
Chiesa’s current contract with Fiorentina runs till 2022. The 22-year-old is also being monitored by the likes of PSG, Juventus and Inter Milan, along with Manchester United. It remains to be seen if United or any of the other interested parties come up with a formal offer for the Italian international in the summer transfer window.
