Federico Chiesa could find himself playing alongside Kevin De Bruyne next season, although not at Liverpool.
With the summer transfer window fast approaching, there is already plenty of speculation about who will be coming and going from Anfield. Trent Alexander-Arnold is of course one who will be departing, while the rumor mill has gone into overdrive this week regarding incomings.
A deal for Jeremie Frimpong looks as though it is gathering pace, and he could turn out to be the Reds’ first new signing of the summer. Reports have also suggested that he could be joined by Bayer Leverkusen teammate Florian Wirtz, although Liverpool.com understands claims of a meeting with Liverpool in England this week are wide of the mark.
Meanwhile, more outgoings look likely, with Caoimhin Kelleher and Darwin Nunez expected to be among those departing this summer. There have also been suggestions that Chiesa could be on the move, less than a year after signing for the Reds.
The Italian has struggled to make any sort of impact since making the switch from Juventus, having made just 13 appearances across all competitions, including just three starts.
A move back to Italy has been touted, with Calciomercato claiming that Napoli is pushing for a deal.
A loan move has supposedly been offered by the Serie A leader, with Liverpool insisting upon an obligation from Napoli to buy at the end of the deal. Discussions may be moving along though, with Napoli said to be waiting on an “inevitable” conclusion.
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And he may well be joined in Naples by De Bruyne, with the Manchester City star still on the lookout for his next club, having confirmed he will be leaving the Etihad this summer.
The report suggests a two-year deal could be offered to the Belgian, although there are doubts raised over how he would fit into Antonio Conte’s side.
De Bruyne has also been tentatively linked with a move to Liverpool this summer, although that looks unlikely, with recent reports suggesting he isn’t considering joining the Reds.
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And although Chiesa has struggled for minutes since joining Liverpool, Arne Slot did recently offer him something of a lifeline as he outlined his plans to mix up his team for the remaining games of the season.
“I don’t think they have anything to prove to me, because I see them every single day on the training ground, and I’ve seen them playing for us in the past or this season — Federico not in the past, but he has had a great career at other clubs as well,” Slot explained.
“So I don’t think these players have to prove the quality players they are.
“I think they want to prove for themselves that they are good enough to play for us, and I already know that they are, and probably they themselves know this as well. So no, I don’t think they have a point to prove, but I do think they would like to play.”
