Liverpool are running out of time in which to reshape their squad before the end of the transfer window.
The Reds have had a busy summer, handing Arne Slot the tools he needs to make the team truly in his own image.
But there is still work to be done, with decisions needing to be made on outgoings as well as incomings.
The futures of a number of the Liverpool squad are still up for debate. Monday brought news that Kostas Tsimikas’ Liverpool exit is accelerating, and the Greek may not be the only one heading through the exit door.
For much of the summer, Federico Chiesa had been expected to be on his way back to Italy. However, with two weeks to go in the window, Chiesa remains a Red.
After the Italian scored a dramatic late winner against Bournemouth on Friday night, there have been suggestions that Chiesa is now likely to stay at Liverpool. Having spoken to insiders within the club, journalist David Lynch has shared whether this is really the case.
Federico Chiesa appeals during Liverpool's Premier League match against Bournemouth at Anfield
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
‘Serious’ offer could still see Federico Chiesa leave Liverpool
Having played just 104 minutes of Premier League football in 2024/25, the smart money was on Chiesa leaving Liverpool.
But with a dearth of attackers now at the club, the Reds need to be careful about selling any more. Ben Doak is set to join Bournemouth, further reducing Arne Slot’s options.
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According to Lynch, however, the reason Chiesa has not been sold is because no ‘serious offer’ has been forthcoming for him. Should one arrive, the 27-year-old could seemingly still go.
“I had a conversation yesterday that [suggested] you still can’t rule out that he’ll go,” the reporter told Anfield Index.
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“What’s being said by people you speak to at Liverpool is that no serious offers have been received for him thus far in the window. But, obviously, that does not rule out the possibility of one coming in before the end of the window, there are a couple of weeks left.
“Maybe it’ll be a return to Italy and that will be an attractive option, but if the player says ‘I’m not going,’ then he’s got a contract and Liverpool will have to keep him around.”
Alexander Isak signing could see Chiesa go
In terms of pure numbers, it would be verging on lunacy for Liverpool to sell Chiesa without bringing another forward in.
However, Liverpool are keen to sign Alexander Isak and there is chance they still get the Swede on a record deal from Newcastle.
If that ends up happening, it is easy to see how Chiesa then leaves. The game time just isn’t going to be there for him once again.
Nevertheless, that would technically leave Slot with five senior attacking options: Chiesa, Isak, Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah. With Chiesa barely used as the sixth last season, there was plenty of game time for the other five. It could work.
But if Liverpool do pull off their dream signing and get Isak, it does feel possible that Chiesa could then go. If they do not, he simply has to stay.