Serie A club are eyeing a potential loan move for Federico Chiesa this summer.
Federico Chiesa has struggled for regular game time at Liverpool since joining from Juventus two years ago, although the arrival of Andoni Iraola could offer him a fresh opportunity at Anfield.
Speculation over the forward’s future has intensified in recent weeks, with conflicting reports regarding his desire to remain on Merseyside. Serie A clubs, including Champions League club Como, have been linked with the Italy international.
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Chiesa is understood to be open to a return to Italy in search of more consistent football and a route back into the national team setup.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, via Calciomercato, Bologna are exploring a move for the 28-year-old, provided they can reach a financially viable agreement with Liverpool.
The Rossoblu are seeking a loan deal that would require Liverpool to cover a significant portion of Chiesa’s wages, with the winger believed to earn around £150,000 per week.
However, Bologna may need to sanction player sales before pursuing a deal. Jonathan Rowe is viewed as one of the club’s most valuable assets, and his departure could create the necessary room in both the squad and budget for a move for Federico Chiesa.
Andoni Iraola has publicly stressed the need for another winger this summer, citing concerns over Liverpool’s attacking depth, making it unlikely he would sanction Chiesa’s departure at this stage.
“It is clear we need a player there, I wouldn’t say to replace Mo Salah, but we need one more winger,” the former Bournemouth boss said.
“There are other situations which are not so clear, we have very good players injured. Ekitike, Bradley and Giovanni, players we love.
“We have to take decisions, sometimes it is hard. Sometimes there is a player we can sign to improve as a team, those decisions we are analysing.
“At other clubs, they present you with players you don’t know. With Liverpool, when they present them, you already know them. It is not easy, it has to be players who have shown a good level.”
With Chiesa currently the Reds’ only natural senior right winger, allowing him to leave – while also subsidising a significant portion of his wages on loan – would make little sense.
The arrival of Iraola does, however, offer Chiesa a fresh start. A strong pre-season could help Chiesa earn a bigger role after limited opportunities under Arne Slot, while regular football remains key to his hopes of returning to the Italy squad.
For Bologna, signing Chiesa would represent one of the club’s most ambitious moves in recent years. Any deal, though, is likely to depend on Liverpool’s willingness to compromise financially.