FC Barcelona is intensifying negotiations to sign Euro 2020 winner Federico Chiesa, according to a report from SPORT, which references anonymous sources and additional reports from Italy.
The club is under pressure to make significant moves after a lackluster summer transfer window, which has left fans disappointed. Despite the potential of Pau Victor, signed from Girona for a modest fee, and the marquee acquisition of Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig, Barcelona’s summer activity has fallen short of expectations.
Dani Olmo, who was signed for $60 million, has yet to make his debut due to challenges related to Financial Fair Play regulations. Although Olmo, the joint-Golden Boot winner at the recent Euros, can play as a left winger, he is expected to serve as an attacking midfielder, leaving Barcelona still in need of reinforcement on the left flank.
Initially, Athletic Club’s Nico Williams was the top target for Barcelona President Joan Laporta and Sporting Director Deco. However, the club has struggled to meet Williams’ $68.7 million (€62 million) release clause. As a result, Barcelona is exploring other options.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the club has also shown interest in Rafael Leao, a significantly more expensive option. Meanwhile, SPORT reports that Barcelona has made progress in negotiations with Chiesa’s agent and is aiming to finalize an agreement with Juventus in the coming days. The potential deal for Chiesa, valued at $15.5 million (€14 million), would be a more financially feasible option for the cash-strapped Catalan club.
