Two of the Premier League’s top clubs are gearing themselves for a transfer duel come the summer, as they race to sign Fiorentina’s highly-rated winger Federico Bernardeschi.
The 23-year-old Bernardeschi is proving to be one of Italy’s brightest young talents this season. Indeed, he has already scored a commendable 13 goals and 5 assists in 33 appearances across all competitions so far – a commendable feat considering his age.
The La Viola wingman is already thought to be in the crosshairs of Italy’s top teams. Long-time rivals AC Milan and Inter are both pondering a move for the promising winger, while defending Serie A champions Juventus are also thought to be interested.
However, all their interest could be swept away by the big bucks coming from the Premier League. Indeed, according to Italian sports portal Calciomercato, recently-crowned League Cup winners Manchester United and current League leaders Chelsea are believed to have entered the race to sign the Fiorentina academy star.
True enough, United manager Jose Mourinho and Chelsea boss Antonio Conte are both thought to be admirers of Bernardeschi and both are eager to splash the cash in order to lure the Italian international to England.
Bernardeschi, who plays naturally as a right winger, would be a good fit for either United or Chelsea. The Reds are currently without an out-and-out winger who can play on the right flank and the 23-year-old can certainly play in that role for the Old Trafford outfit.
Chelsea, meanwhile, will certainly be looking to the future. Their in-form right winger Pedro is already 29 years old. Sure, the Spanish star still has a few years left in him, but it pays to have a long-term replacement ready and the Italian might well be that player the Blues are looking for.
Both English clubs would have no problem meeting Fiorentina’s demands for Bernardeschi, who is currently valued at around £20m – even if La Viola decide to ask for double that amount. Of course, whether either United or Chelsea do splash that amount of money come the summer is still uncertain.