Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani admits the Premier League outfit missed out on Nicolo Zaniolo while Victor Orta once proposed a deal for Italy international Federico Chiesa, speaking to DAZN.
Radrizzani may divide opinion in West Yorkshire but you cannot question his ambition. Leeds, during his tenure, have tabled big bids for the likes of Noa Lang, Cody Gakpo and Charles de Ketelaere.
Ok, those offers might not have succeeded but, clearly, Radrizzani’s Leeds are looking to do their shopping in Waitrose these days after so many years scouring the bargain basement at Aldi.
The Elland Road outfit were turned down by both Gakpo and De Ketelaere last summer, despite proposing around £30 million for both players; the former opting for AC Milan before the latter ended up at Liverpool.
Leeds, Radrizzani adds, also missed out on Zaniolo last month with red-tape making a swap deal impossible.
“We tried to sign Zaniolo by setting up a swap deal,” explains the Milan-born businessman. “But Roma had already filled all roster spots for non-EU nationals.”
Zanioli is now in Turkey with Galatasaray
Nicolo Zaniolo leaves Roma for Galatasaray after Leeds United talks
It is not certain which player Leeds would have sent to the Stadio Olimpico as part of the Zaniolo deal. Diego Llorente did end up joining on deadline day. But it seems that one of his Whites team-mates was also potentially on his way to the Italian capital before negotiations broke down.
Zaniolo, meanwhile, was not the only Italy international Leeds considered. The subject of Federico Chiesa, according to Radrizzani, was brought up by director of football Victor Orta. One of the most exciting wingers in world football; Chiesa was arguably Italy’s best player as Roberto Mancini’s side secured the Euro 2020 title at England’s expense.
The former Fiorentina speedster has spent more time than not on the treatment table since then, however; rupturing his cruciate ligament. Radrizzani does not explain exactly when Orta proposed Chiesa. But a January loan deal would potentially have allowed the 25-year-old to build up his fitness again after so long on the sidelines.
Chiesa has started just two Serie A games all season under Max Allegri.
“I’ve heard talk about him winning the Ballon d’Or in three or four years. I agree,” Juventus legend Alessio Tacchinardi told Tuttosport of a player reportedly valued at £102 million back in 2021.
“I see the same (skills) Pavel Nedved had. (Chiesa) has enormous qualities. He dribbles left and right and can shoot with very little space.”
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