Atalanta’s Chiesa Curiosity Hinges on Lookman SaleInter’s pursuit of Lookman triggers Atalanta plan
Atalanta’s switch window technique seems to be falling neatly into place, with the Bergamo-based membership setting the wheels in movement to herald Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa – however solely after Ademola Lookman’s future is resolved. As reported by Alfredo Pedullà for , Atalanta have made it clear they won’t decrease their €50 million asking value for the Nigerian ahead, who’s at the moment attracting robust curiosity from Inter.
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Inter have already lodged a proposal of €40 million, however the Serie A giants are absolutely conscious that they need to get nearer to the €50m valuation in the event that they wish to carry the African Ballon d’Or winner to San Siro. Napoli, as soon as rumoured to be within the operating, haven’t proven critical intent in latest weeks, leaving Inter in pole place.
“Atalanta are getting ready to interchange Lookman, however will solely promote the Nigerian on their situation.”
Picture: IMAGO
Chiesa omission fuels hypothesis
In the meantime, Chiesa’s absence from Liverpool’s pre-season tour of East Asia has solely heightened rumours of a possible departure. Having made simply 14 appearances in his debut season for the Reds, during which he scored twice and added two assists, the 27-year-old Italian winger has struggled to ascertain himself as an everyday starter underneath Arne Slot.
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Sources near Atalanta “additional affirm Atalanta’s curiosity in Chiesa, who’s prone to transfer to Bergamo as soon as Lookman leaves.” That sentiment echoes Pedullà’s earlier reporting from Monday, which prompt the membership had already made preliminary actions for the ex-Juventus star.
Lookman key to Atalanta’s wider switch puzzle
The thought is evident: Atalanta gained’t sanction the signing of Chiesa except they’ll first offload Lookman – and for his or her full valuation. It’s a domino impact the place Inter’s transfer for the Nigerian will open the door for Chiesa’s return to Serie A.
“Inter are the one Serie A membership within the operating for the most recent African Ballon d’Or winner,” Pedullà notes, and that offers Atalanta robust leverage in negotiations. They’ve already lined up Chiesa as the perfect alternative – an skilled worldwide with confirmed top-level pedigree who might flourish with constant minutes.
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Liverpool future doubtful for Chiesa
Whether or not Chiesa’s transfer to Anfield was ill-timed or just didn’t match the tactical construction, there’s little doubt now that his future lies away from Merseyside. And with Atalanta’s structured strategy to squad constructing, the Italian winger might discover himself central to their plans – assuming Inter play their half.
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From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, Chiesa’s potential departure so quickly after his arrival would immediate combined emotions. On one hand, there was vital optimism when the Italian joined the Reds, given his explosive performances for Italy at Euro 2020 and his earlier exploits at Juventus. Nonetheless, his first season at Anfield underwhelmed, and with simply 14 appearances throughout all competitions – alongside a modest return of two objectives and two assists – his impression has been restricted.
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The omission from the pre-season tour suggests the writing could already be on the wall. Underneath Arne Slot, Liverpool appear to be leaning in the direction of youthful, extra dynamic extensive gamers, and Chiesa – though immensely gifted – could not have proven sufficient to cement a task in that system.
What’s additionally vital to think about is that Liverpool hardly ever maintain onto gamers who aren’t integral to the first-team setup. If Atalanta are prepared to maneuver shortly and meet no matter valuation Liverpool connect to Chiesa, the Reds may even see this as a wise piece of enterprise that might unencumber squad house and wages for extra urgent wants – maybe a defensive midfielder or a centre-back.
From a fan’s viewpoint, it’s disappointing to see a marquee signing not attain his potential at Anfield. However equally, there’s a level of understanding that Chiesa wants common soccer, and with Atalanta providing that, it could possibly be a superb transfer for all events concerned.