Barcelona are considering signing Federico Chiesa from Juventus as they race against the clock to sign a new winger before the transfer window closes, sources have told ESPN.
Chiesa, 26, has emerged as one of Barca's top options to bolster their attack given their interest in signing him and Juventus' willingness to let him leave.
Athletic Club and Spain winger Nico Williams was Barca's main target at the start of the summer, although he has also been linked with AC Milan's Rafael Leão.
However, the costs involved in possible operations with Williams and Leão have forced Barça to explore low-cost alternatives.
Williams, who starred as Spain won the European Championship in July, has a 58 million euro ($64.5 million) release clause and sources have told ESPN that Milan are asking for 100 million euros to agree to a transfer of Leão.
Chiesa, meanwhile, is not part of the plans of new Juventus coach Thiago Motta and Barca have been offered the chance to sign the player, with the Italian club open to offers for around 15 million euros as his contract expires next year.
The Italian international's career has stalled since he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury at the start of 2022 that ruled him out of action for 11 months.
He returned for the second half of the 2022-23 campaign and made 37 appearances for Juventus last season, scoring 10 goals and earning a place in Italy's squad for Euro 2024.
However, a source has confirmed that Chiesa would have to undergo an exhaustive medical examination before Barça will commit to any possible transfer.
Any deal will also depend on the club's financial situation. Summer signing Dani Olmo, who arrived for €55m from RB Leipzig, has not yet been registered with La Liga because Barca have exceeded their annual spending limit.
Ilkay Gündogan's pending transfer to Manchester City should leave room for Olmo to be registered ahead of Saturday's game against Athletic at the Stadio Olimpico, but more departures may be necessary before more entries are permitted.
Vitor Roque, Clément Lenglet, Eric García and Ansu Fati are other players who could leave before the transfer window closes.
If those dominoes fall into place, Barca will opt for a left-winger, although Williams – who was president Joan Laporta's dream signing – and Leão are currently out of their price range.
In addition to Chiesa, Kingsley Coman has been mentioned as a possible low-cost option. The French international will be able to leave Bayern Munich for a more affordable fee this month, although sources say other options could be considered.
