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Chelsea and Tottenham target unlikely to leave Fiorentina

By Benjamin Barkworth

FLORENCE, ITALY - APRIL 29: Federico Chiesa of ACF Fiorentina in action against Lorenzo Insigne of SSC Napoli during the serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and SSC Napoli at Stadio Artemio Franchi on April 29, 2018 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
FLORENCE, ITALY - APRIL 29: Federico Chiesa of ACF Fiorentina in action against Lorenzo Insigne of SSC Napoli during the serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and SSC Napoli at Stadio Artemio Franchi on April 29, 2018 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) /
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Fiorentina’s general manager Pantaleo Corvino believes that the club’s current situation means they can avoid selling Federico Chiesa.

Corvino revealed, in an interview with Sky Sport, that the club are stable and in a good position financially, so keeping Federico Chiesa is a priority.

The talented youngster has been with the club for 11 years and made his senior debut with the Viola in 2016. This season he has scored six times and assisted four in the league; these have come in 2842 minutes of playing time.

His performances in Serie A saw him rewarded with a call-up to the Italian national team; he made his debut against Argentina as well as coming on a substitute against England.

These aren’t great numbers, even for a 20-year-old, but he has played in a number of positions. His best performances have come when he has played on the left because he can cut inside on his favoured foot. This opens up the options available to him and means that the opposition defence can’t use the touchline to pen him in.

The potential he possesses has got Premier clubs interested as well as AC Milan. His goalscoring contributions will need to improve, but he has shown enough to suggest that he has a bright future.

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Where should he be next season?

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Milan can be instantly ruled out because they aren’t the most stable club currently. The summer transfer window saw them bring in a multitude of stars, but they could still miss out on qualifying for Europe.

Staying with Fiorentina would be a better move than going to any other Italian club. Federico Chiesa is familiar with the surroundings which is important for a young player.

Joining Chelsea or Tottenham would be an exciting opportunity for Chiesa. However, the unwillingness to sell him might be the best potential scenario for him. Having the decision taken out of his hands allows him to continue his development unhindered.

Ideally he needs another season with Fiorentina to improve his game and take away some of the rawness. Having a club that is willing to give him this platform is important.

Both Premier League sides have space for him in the team because he could provide competition to Son Heung-Min for the left-wing role. Although he would have to settle for not being a starter because Son isn’t currently.

At Chelsea, he would have to play slightly out of position on the right unless Eden Hazard leaves; he would have a similar issue with the Blues, though, because he wouldn’t be a guaranteed starter. However, Chelsea’s future is unclear due to Antonio Conte probably leaving in the summer with no clear replacement.

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These clubs are unlikely to lose interest by the end of next season especially if Federico Chiesa continues his current progression. Therefore, staying with Fiorentina is the best move. He may even end up playing in the Europa League with them next season if other results go the right way.

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