In a significant development that could reshape the Italian football landscape, Federico Chiesa has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with AC Milan over a high-profile move, marking a potential return to a more prominent domestic role in Serie A. The winger, currently with Juventus, has long been a coveted talent across Europe, and this latest turn of events signifies a major shift not only for Chiesa but also for Italian football’s power dynamics.
Chiesa, the son of former Italian international Enrico Chiesa, first rose to prominence with Fiorentina, where his explosive pace, technical skill, and eye for goal quickly made him one of Serie A’s most exciting young talents. His big break came in 2020 when he joined Juventus, initially on loan, before the move was made permanent. During his time in Turin, Chiesa was a key figure in Juventus’ attacking setup, particularly under Andrea Pirlo, and played a vital role in Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph.
However, injuries and managerial instability at Juventus have somewhat derailed Chiesa’s momentum. After suffering a major ACL injury in early 2022, he spent months on the sidelines and struggled to regain his rhythm in a team undergoing transitions both on and off the pitch. With Juventus failing to meet their lofty expectations in recent seasons and uncertainty surrounding their tactical direction, Chiesa’s future has been the subject of growing speculation.
The verbal agreement with AC Milan suggests that the 26-year-old winger sees the Rossoneri as the ideal platform to reignite his career. Milan, under the guidance of new head coach Paulo Fonseca, are looking to bolster their attacking options and bring in players capable of performing on both domestic and European fronts. Chiesa’s arrival would not only add quality and experience to the side but also signal a strong intent to challenge for the Scudetto and go deeper in the UEFA Champions League.
For AC Milan, the potential acquisition of Chiesa would be a strategic masterstroke. Known for his versatility, Chiesa can operate on either wing or as a second striker, offering tactical flexibility and unpredictability in the final third. His tenacity, pressing ability, and flair align well with Milan’s high-intensity approach. Moreover, his return to peak form could transform Milan’s offense, which at times has lacked consistency, particularly in matches against elite opposition.
Financially, the deal is still in its formative stages. While a verbal agreement signals mutual interest and a basic understanding of terms, a full agreement between AC Milan and Juventus has yet to be finalized. Juventus are reportedly open to selling Chiesa, especially if he is unwilling to extend his current contract, which expires in 2025. The Bianconeri are believed to be seeking a fee in the range of €30–40 million, a figure Milan could manage through structured payments or by including players as part of the deal.
The implications of this move stretch beyond just the clubs involved. For Serie A, retaining a player of Chiesa’s caliber within the league is a significant win. Amid growing concerns about Italian clubs losing top talents to the Premier League and other elite competitions, keeping a high-profile, marketable player like Chiesa in Italy supports the league’s efforts to rebuild its brand and competitiveness on the global stage.
From a national team perspective, a fresh start at AC Milan could also benefit Italy. With Euro 2024 looming and new head coach Luciano Spalletti looking to fine-tune his squad, Chiesa’s form and fitness will be crucial. A key player during Italy’s last successful tournament campaign, Chiesa’s ability to perform on the biggest stage is well-established. Regular playing time at a high level, particularly in a tactically stable and ambitious environment like Milan, could help him recapture his best form in time for the national team’s critical fixtures.
Fan reaction to the news has been largely positive, especially among the Milan faithful. Chiesa’s potential arrival has sparked excitement, with many viewing him as a player capable of bringing flair and decisiveness to a team that sometimes lacks a cutting edge in tight matches. Meanwhile, Juventus supporters are more divided, with some lamenting the possible departure of a homegrown star who has yet to reach his full potential in black and white.
As negotiations progress, the footballing world will be watching closely. If the verbal agreement materializes into a full transfer, it could be one of the most talked-about moves of the summer. For Federico Chiesa, it represents a chance to reset, to lead, and to fulfill the immense promise he showed early in his career. For AC Milan, it could be the missing piece in their quest to return to the summit of Italian and
European football.
