It has been reported that LIVERPOOL is open to allowing Federico Chiesa to leave on loan this month.
After joining from Juventus in the summer for a potential fee of £12.5m, Chiesa has found it difficult to secure regular playing time with the club.
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The Italian winger has faced injuries and fitness challenges, restricting him to just four appearances under Arne Slot since arriving on Merseyside.
Of those appearances, two were in the Carabao Cup, one in the Champions League, and he came off the bench for 18 minutes in a Premier League match.
According to reports from French outlet Foot Mercato, Chiesa is keen on a loan move from Liverpool in order to gain more consistent playing time.
Italian national team coach Luciano Spalletti has allegedly suggested to the 27-year-old that he could be reinstated into the national squad if he revives his season back in Italy.
Current Serie A leaders Napoli, managed by Antonio Conte, are reportedly leading the race for his loan acquisition.
Although Fiorentina and Inter are also in the mix, Napoli appears the most likely candidate to secure his services.
There are suggestions that Chiesa’s agent, Fali Ramadani, has had discussions with Liverpool representatives and reached a mutual agreement to allow the forward to leave on loan this month.
However, several challenges could arise during the negotiation process.
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Chiesa’s reported weekly salary of £150,000 is complicating matters, although Liverpool is prepared to cover part of his wages.
Additionally, Napoli is interested in including an option to buy in the loan contract, a proposal Liverpool is hesitant to entertain.
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Napoli is expected to submit a six-month loan offer in the coming days as discussions continue among all involved parties.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has faced questions about Chiesa’s minimal playing time in recent weeks, pointing to fitness issues as the primary reason.
He stated: “Federico, as I’ve mentioned multiple times, we are focusing on two crucial aspects: his match fitness and gradually integrating him into the team.”
“He has been on the bench recently, but we believed it was more advantageous for him to participate in extra training sessions rather than join the squad.”
“Finding the right balance between enhancing his fitness and bringing him into the fold is vital.”
Chiesa’s contract with Liverpool extends until the summer of 2028.
Any buy-option included in a loan deal would need to exceed the £12.5m Liverpool originally spent last summer for the club to consider a transfer.
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