Federico Chiesa has been all-but-invisible since he joined Liverpool from Juventus during the summer.
The Italian forward was brought in for a relatively cheap transfer fee to act as backup to Mohamed Salah on the right, but has spent more time out injured than in training so far.
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His time at Anfield is going so badly that there have been consistent rumours about a return to Italy in the January transfer window.
Arne Slot would have hoped to have been able to see more from Chiesa, who has only made one substitute appearance in the Premier League this season alongside a single start in the EFL Cup against West Ham, where he bagged an assist.
It’s been more than disappointing for a player who was tipped for greatness after his performances for Italy at EURO 2020.
While Inter Milan have been heavily linked with a move for Chiesa, another Italian side are also reportedly looking at him for a transfer that would effectively pave the way for Liverpool to sign a long-term Salah replacement.
Napoli linked with Federico Chiesa
According to Il Napolista, Napoli are looking at bringing Chiesa in on a transfer next summer.
The Italian side are worried about losing their star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and think Chiesa would be an ideal replacement, according to the report.
Chiesa would need to overcome his injury struggles regardless of where he’s playing next season, but a return to Italy could suit him due to the slower pace of the game.
Slot’s comments on Chiesa earlier this season suggest he might think the same: “Federico missed the entire pre-season and then came into a league where the intensity might be higher than Serie A. That makes it difficult for him to make the necessary step to match the intensity levels of the rest of the team.”
Napoli are also worried about losing their star winger, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian’s contract expires in 2027, and they have yet to come to an agreement for a new deal.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
© IMAGO - Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could be an ideal Salah replacement.
His situation echoes that of Salah, whose contract runs out at the end of this season. Liverpool could capitalise on the lack of movement on a new deal for Kvaratskhelia by trying to buy him next summer to replace Salah.
Napoli can’t afford to lose him on a free transfer so could be open to accepting a slightly lower fee than they would want to ensure they make some money, and a cash plus player deal including Chiesa could be a win-win for all involved.
Liverpool have already confirmed the signing of Kvaratskhelia’s national team colleague Giorgi Mamardashvili for next season, so he could be open to joining him at Anfield.
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