Juventus Shifts Focus to €33m Jean-Philippe Mateta Amidst Chiesa Stalemate

Though Liverpool were never expected to sell Federico Chiesa this month, reports in Italy are now aligned with that stance as Juventus find other targets. This Is Anfield understands Liverpool’s stance over a January move for Chiesa has been unchanged: the player remains an important part of Arne Slot‘s squad. Despite this, reports in Italy had repeatedly linked the 28-year-old with a move to former club Juventus, with claims they were pushing for a loan with an option to buy. Now, Juventus are widely reported to have turned their focus elsewhere, namely to Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and Atalanta’s Daniel Maldini. La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed on Monday morning that Juventus and Palace are discussing a deal which could result in an initial loan with a €33 million obligation-to-buy clause. Fenerbahce’s Youssef En-Nesyri is suggested as another option on a “dry loan” while journalists Gianluca Di Marzio and Fabrizio Romano have both explained that Maldini would be an additional target, not an alternative. Romano explained the situation on YouTube and specifically noted how Juventus’ new plan would be favourable to one involving Chiesa. This comes with Maldini on a “more sustainable salary” than Chiesa, who is believed to earn around £120,000 per week at Liverpool after his initial £10 million switch from Juventus in 2024. Juventus could therefore sign Mateta – who is seeking a high-profile move as Palace’s turbulent month continues – as well as Maldini and significantly bolster their attacking ranks. Chiesa has remained a bit-part player for Slot this season but has already made 22 appearances, featuring in all but seven games for which he has been available so far. That includes eight outings in Liverpool’s current 12-game unbeaten run, with starts against Wolves and Barnsley, coming off the bench against Sunderland, Brighton, Tottenham, Leeds, Fulham and Burnley. His failure to make an impact in those recent starts has led to questions over his long-term future, with it clear that the Reds will need to strengthen their forward line in the summer. Doubts remain over whether Mohamed Salah will be a Liverpool player beyond the current campaign, with the Egyptian expected to stay for the second half of the season but with a cloud still looming after his criticism of the club.