Napoli are in active discussions to sign Federico Chiesa from Liverpool, with talks reportedly underway between the Serie A champions and the winger’s agent. The Italian international has struggled for regular starts at Anfield despite contributing five goal involvements across all competitions this season. Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso has now intervened, urging Chiesa to return to Serie A for consistent playing time ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Chiesa has yet to start a Premier League match under Arne Slot. His lack of minutes has raised concerns about his international prospects. Napoli sense an opportunity and are pushing for a January loan deal with an option to buy worth £11 million. Liverpool are open to his departure but insist on an obligation to buy clause in any agreement.
The 28-year-old finds himself at a crossroads. He wants to compete at Liverpool but needs game time to stay sharp for Italy. Gattuso’s public backing for a Serie A return adds significant weight to Napoli’s pursuit.
Napoli open talks for Federico Chiesa loan move
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Napoli have initiated contact with Chiesa’s representatives as they look to strengthen their attack in January. According to journalist Emanuele Cammaroto, writing for NapoliMagazine, “discussions are underway” regarding the winger’s situation at Liverpool. The Serie A champions want to secure an initial loan with an option to buy valued at €13 million.
Chiesa has managed just 344 minutes across 12 appearances this season. He scored twice and provided three assists but remains firmly behind Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo in the pecking order. Slot has shown little inclination to start him in the Premier League despite naming him Player of the Month in September.
Napoli’s strategy is clear. They will first agree terms with Chiesa before finalising the deal with Liverpool. Club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has allocated around £44 million for winter reinforcements to back manager Antonio Conte. Chiesa’s versatility across the front line makes him an ideal target for Conte’s tactical system.
Gattuso urges Chiesa to return to Serie A
Gattuso has made his position clear. Reports confirm he has “specifically asked Chiesa to return to Italy” to ensure regular minutes for the national team. Chiesa has not represented the Azzurri since Euro 2024 and turned down call-ups for recent World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Norway.
Gattuso explained in September that it was a “shared decision” for Chiesa to focus on his club situation, stating: “He didn’t feel ready to return; he wants to be 100%. We decided it together very calmly.” The manager’s latest intervention suggests his patience is wearing thin. With the World Cup approaching, Gattuso needs Chiesa match-fit and playing regularly.
The Italy boss believes a move back to Serie A would benefit Chiesa’s career at this critical juncture. His public backing could prove decisive in convincing the winger to leave Liverpool after just one season.
Chiesa’s Liverpool frustration despite strong contributions
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Chiesa has delivered when given opportunities. He scored twice and assisted three times early in the campaign, earning individual recognition. He told Daily Mail Sport: “If I don’t want competition, I go to another team. But I want the competition! I want to play here and think it helps me become a better player.”
That competitive spirit has not translated into starts. He played only 466 minutes in the Premier League last season and is on track for similar numbers this term. His total game time of 344 minutes this season averages less than 29 minutes per appearance. That is not enough for a player approaching 29 who needs to maintain his international place.
Liverpool are reportedly exploring a deal for Serge Gnabry, who is out of contract at Bayern Munich in the summer. Some observers have questioned the logic of signing Gnabry given his injury record and high wages while Chiesa sits underused at Anfield. The outcome of the Napoli negotiations could directly influence Liverpool’s pursuit of other attackers.
What happens next for Federico Chiesa and Liverpool
The January window will define Chiesa’s immediate future. He must weigh his ambition to succeed at Liverpool against the reality of limited opportunities and Gattuso’s clear preference for a Serie A return. Napoli offer guaranteed minutes and a pathway back into the Italy squad ahead of the World Cup.
Liverpool hold the cards. They want an obligation to buy included in any loan agreement. Napoli prefer an option to buy, creating a potential sticking point in negotiations. The next few weeks will determine whether compromise can be reached.
Chiesa will continue working to impress Slot, but a return to Italy appears increasingly likely. Napoli have tracked him for years and now sense their moment. Gattuso’s intervention has shifted the dynamic. The winger faces a decision that will shape the rest of his career.