AC Milan in ‘Direct Talks’ to Sign Liverpool Star This Summer – Report | OneFootball

Federico Chiesa’s Uncertain Future: Liverpool Exit Looming?

Federico Chiesa arrived at Liverpool with much anticipation, but just a year later, his Anfield future looks increasingly fragile. As Caught Offside reports, Chiesa’s limited minutes last season and his omission from Arne Slot’s Asia tour squad are strong indicators that he does not figure in the manager’s long-term plans.

Struggles Under Slot’s System

Despite Liverpool’s title-winning campaign under Arne Slot, Chiesa found himself on the periphery. The Italian forward, known for his dynamism and creativity, started only one Premier League game last season. Even a couple of goals in pre-season friendlies against Preston and Stoke were not enough to change his fortunes. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Chiesa is understandably eager for regular playing time to force his way back into Italy’s national squad.

Caught Offside highlights that “despite lifting the Premier League title last season, the Italian forward struggled to break into Arne Slot’s setup,” a situation that has now sparked significant interest across Europe.

Photo: IMAGO

Interest Building Across Europe

Napoli are watching closely, particularly if their pursuit of Dan Ndoye collapses, although the arrival of Noa Lang has added a layer of complexity. Roma, under Gian Piero Gasperini, see Chiesa as an ideal tactical addition, but they would need to offload names like Pellegrini, El Shaarawy, or Baldanzi to make room.

AC Milan, according to Caught Offside, have initiated “indirect contact” via Chiesa’s representatives, though financial constraints remain an issue. Perhaps most intriguingly, Juventus are quietly considering bringing him back to Turin, only a year after his departure.

Outside of Italy, Atletico Madrid are keeping tabs, confident that Chiesa’s underlying quality still makes him a worthwhile addition. Meanwhile, Atalanta and even Como, with Cesc Fàbregas at the helm, could enter the fray if circumstances align.

Liverpool’s Stance and Potential Exit

Liverpool paid €12 million for Chiesa, and as Caught Offside notes, they are “not expected to demand a premium.” This has widened the pool of interested clubs, making a summer departure appear more likely by the day. While Arne Slot has reshaped Liverpool into a Premier League-winning machine, Chiesa’s skillset may no longer align with the tactical demands or the squad competition at Anfield.

It is increasingly apparent that for Chiesa to revive his career and secure his World Cup dream, a move away from Merseyside might be the best solution for all involved.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As Liverpool fans, this report leaves mixed feelings. On one hand, Federico Chiesa is undeniably a talented player with proven pedigree at both club and international levels. His arrival last summer felt like a coup, especially at just €12 million. Yet under Arne Slot, who remarkably guided Liverpool to the title in his first season, Chiesa simply has not found his place.

Slot’s system demands high intensity, positional flexibility, and tactical discipline, and players like Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, and Cody Gakpo seem to have edged ahead in the pecking order. Chiesa’s limited minutes, capped by just one league start, suggest that the manager sees him as surplus, despite his flashes of brilliance.

There’s a sense of disappointment here because many fans were eager to see Chiesa become a key figure, possibly filling the gap left by Mohamed Salah’s gradual transition out of a starting role. But football is unforgiving, and with the World Cup approaching, it’s understandable that Chiesa seeks a new challenge.

From a fan perspective, selling Chiesa at a fair price could be smart business, freeing wages and opening a slot for a player who better fits Slot’s blueprint. However, if he flourishes elsewhere, especially back in Serie A or La Liga, there will surely be a lingering sense of ‘what if’ among the Kop faithful.