Liverpool have faced a selection crisis in attack in recent matches.
Mohamed Salah is out for the Africa Cup of Nations while Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak are suffering from injuries. The Dutchman is now back and available for selection, but it appears Isak could miss up to three months.
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With so many attackers unavailable, Arne Slot may have had no choice this weekend but to start. Federico Chiesa.
Chiesa faces an uncertain future
Although it’s a fan favorite the Italian has failed to convince his head coach of his merits – largely having to settle for bench roles over the past two seasons.
But the 28-year-old got his chance against Wolves on Saturdayy – playing 61 minutes for the Premier League champions before being substituted.
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Admittedly it wasn’t the £12m man’s best outing – with no shots and 10 possessions lost.
Liverpool fans got their wish to see the winger start, but on the evidence from the weekend, Chiesa has a lot of work ahead of him to gain prominence in Slot’s thoughts.
Chiesa doesn’t want to leave
The Italy international is, however, undeterred in his plans to stay at Anfield – with the former Juventus star having a contract until 2028.
According to Corriere dello Sport he remains focused on remaining on Merseyside – but the newspaper also acknowledges an interest in Chiesa from elsewhere.
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The report names Atalanta as one of THREE teams interested in Chiesa ahead of the winter transfer window opening on Thursday.
© IMAGO – Federico Chiesa Liverpool
Atalanta wants Chiesa deal
“Federico Chiesa has not changed his mind: his objective remains to continue his adventure at Liverpool,” the report said.
“Three clubs, including Atalanta, are pursuing him, but so far no real offers from the striker have been received.”
Chiesa had a poor season on an individual level in 2024/25 even though Liverpool won the Premier League. He failed to establish himself in Arne Slot’s plans and seemed at one point destined for the scrapheap.
But he fought back well – scoring two Premier League goals this season – and being called upon more often by his manager.
