Liverpool eye Chiesa, Osimhen waiting on Chelsea – Paper Round

Liverpool are contemplating a late move for Juventus forward Federico Chiesa ahead of Friday’s deadline, multiple outlets are reporting.

Liverpool are yet to make a signing this summer under new boss Arne Slot, but are now evaluating their interest in the Italian winger and considering whether to make an offer before the deadline.

The Mirror adds: “Chiesa, 26, would be available at a cut price as new Juventus boss Thiago Motta has made it clear the right-sided forward is not part of his plans. He hasn’t trained with the first team for over two weeks and is looking for a move before Friday night’s transfer deadline.

“Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes said earlier this summer that business in this window would be ‘opportunistic.’ This may fit that bill given the player should be available for a lower fee.

“Chiesa helped Italy win Euro 2020 when they beat England in the final at Wembley in July 2021. But then he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January 2022, which kept him out for seven months.”

Osimhen wants Chelsea

Victor Osimhen is prepared to turn down a move to Saudi Arabia and will wait for Chelsea to make their move before deciding on his future, the i newspaper reports.

The Nigerian striker had seemed destined to join Al-Ahli after Napoli reportedly reached an agreement.

The i adds: “However, after his agent Roberto Calenda took to social media to insist his star client has ‘much more to offer in Europe,’ sources have told i that Osimhen will wait and see what other offers come in before the transfer window closes across Europe.”

“Chelsea have held a long-standing interest, as have Paris Saint-Germain.

“The Blues will have to sell several players to fund the move and stay within the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules, but that should be no problem, given the likes of Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling, Romelu Lukaku, and Trevoh Chalobah all appear to be nearing exits.”

Chelsea’s Sterling contract conundrum

Chelsea may need to supplement Raheem Sterling’s £17 million-per-season salary as they attempt to secure a new club for the sidelined forward before Friday’s deadline, the Mail reports.

With Sterling open to a move to Manchester United, Chelsea officials are actively seeking offers for the winger.

The Mail adds: “It is understood at least two of the teams to have shown an initial interest in the England international will require Chelsea to contribute to his wages, which are believed to be in the region of £325,000-per-week, in the event of Sterling refusing to take a pay cut.

“The 29-year-old wants clarity on how Chelsea intend to resolve the outstanding salary remaining on the three years left on his deal before considering his next move.

“Indeed, if Sterling refuses to take a drop in wages, Chelsea will be presented with the scenario of having to continue paying a significant portion of his wages to facilitate an exit.”

Nketiah to Palace close

Eddie Nketiah is poised to leave Arsenal and join Crystal Palace after positive talks, with Palace offering around £25m plus £5m in add-ons and the striker eager on making the move.

The Mail adds: “Mail Sport reported earlier this month that Palace were waiting in the wings after talks between Arsenal and Marseille, as well as with Nottingham Forest, had broken down.

“Forest have since revived their bid to sign Feyenoord’s Mexico international striker Santiago Gimenez.

“Palace could offset the deal for Nketiah by offloading Odsonne Edouard, who is attracting enquiries, with former club Celtic among those interested.

“Palace are improving their offer for Wolfsburg’s Maxence Lacroix and have an interest in Wolves’ Rayan Ait Nouri.”