Karen Carney has stated her love for watching Federico Chiesa on BBC Radio 5 Live (23/11, 20:15), amid reported transfer interest from Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Chiesa featured for 80-minutes on Tuesday, as Juventus visited Chelsea in the Champions League. The Blues won 4-0, but the Bianconeri dynamo left an early impression on Carney.
His influence on proceedings as the game progressed was far from the heights expected of the 24-year-old usually. As Juventus struggled to deal with Chelsea across the park, and left south-west London comfortably beaten by Thomas Tuchel’s rampant revenge-seeking side.
Chiesa had scored the only goal of the reverse tie earlier in the group stage to see Juventus beat Chelsea. He also followed the strike by scoring and assisting against Zenit this month.
The Italy forward likewise has been involved in three Serie A goals so far this term. But has only struck home once against Spezia, while assisting against Torino and Lazio on Saturday.
Chiesa’s efforts with Juventus and Italy have enticed Premier League transfer interest from Newcastle and Tottenham, too. Calciomercato.it claim the Magpies’ Saudi-led owners want the 38-cap star, but the Bianconeri would demand at least €115m-120m (£96.5m-101m).
The Italian publication also report Antonio Conte wants Chiesa at Tottenham as he eyes a raft of transfers. But Calciomercato note Chelsea and Bayern Munich’s interest is above all.
Chiesa earns Carney praise in defeat, amid Newcastle and Tottenham interest
Had Juventus not turned down Chelsea’s €100m (£84m) bid this summer, Chiesa may have faced his former side on Tuesday. When his early efforts impressed ex-England ace Carney.
“Frederico Chiesa is so tidy, I love watching him,” Carney said. “He’s so agile and good with his feet.
“The two young Chelsea players, Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah, have really got their work cut out tonight to keep him quiet.”
James and Chalobah were ultimately able to keep Chiesa quiet, as the mobile forward took up a striker position. He has featured across the Juventus frontline this season, with goals and minutes recorded in central, wide left and wide right roles.
Juventus will show a lot of resistance to selling Chiesa in the next transfer windows to both Newcastle and Tottenham. But a high price may test their resolve to bring him to England.
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