Arsenal now set to launch move for ‘world-class’ £50m Bukayo Saka alternative

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There have been concerns that Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has been playing too many minutes in between injuries, and Mikel Arteta should aim to sign an alternative in January.

Saka has hardly missed a game for years, and is the first name on the teamsheet every week, leading to worries that he may be due an injury if he continues to play so much.

With no natural right-sided alternative in the squad, many believe that Arsenal need to sign a winger to compete with Saka, and there were links to Pedro Neto before he picked up an injury a few weeks ago.

However, Arsenal may now look to sign Juventus star Federico Chiesa in order to solve this problem.

Arsenal are interested in Federico Chiesa

A report from Italian outlet TuttoJuve has claimed that Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle are all interested in the 26-year-old, whose contract expires in 2025.

His price tag was mooted at £48-£52m in the summer, with Juventus potentially keen on cashing in whilst his value is high should he not sign a new contract.

Chiesa has scored four and assisted once in 11 Serie A games this season, and can play across the front three positions, as well as behind the striker.

Could Chiesa join Arsenal?

Chiesa, who was described as “world-class” by former Italy defender Alessandro Pierini, has been excellent for Juventus over the years, and was a standout performer at EURO 2020.

A question remains over whether he would be happy to join and potentially not be given a starting role, compared to the guaranteed minutes he could receive at Newcastle or Chelsea, but his versatility could be key in this sense.

The speedy attacker is similar to Leandro Trossard in the sense that he could be an option in an attacking midfield role, on both wings or even as a false nine. A move for him may limit Trossard’s potential game time, but he also may add some necessary speed to the Arsenal attack, which suffered when Gabriel Martinelli picked up an injury.

Chiesa would certainly add quality to the Arsenal side, but it is unclear whether Arsenal will prioritise a move for him over a defensive midfielder given Thomas Partey’s uncertain future.