Liverpool set to move for Malick Fofana after Federico Chiesa exit | OneFootball

Liverpool are keeping tabs on Olympique Lyon winger Malick Fofana as they prepare to continue their summer spending spree.

According to Sacha Tavolieri, the Reds are planning to move for the young Belgian but only after they have successfully offloaded Federico Chiesa.

Liverpool have been one of the most active Premier League clubs in the transfer market this summer.

Once Hugo Ekitike’s transfer is announced, they’d have splashed nearly £300 million on new signings, but they’re not done strengthening the squad yet.

They still want to add a left winger and have been linked with Real Madrid star Rodrygo.

Los Blancos are expected to demand around £87m for the Brazilian. With the way Liverpool are moving, you wouldn’t put it past them to match those demands.

However, Fofana offers a cost-effective alternative, but Liverpool are reportedly waiting for Chiesa to leave the club before they make a move for the Belgian starlet.

According to Tavolieri, Liverpool’s scouting department sees Fofana as a perfect fit for the team’s evolving attack under Arne Slot.

Chiesa only joined Liverpool last summer, but it was clear from the get-go that he wasn’t in Slot’s long-term plans.

The Italian made just 14 appearances across all competitions last season.

However, his omission from Liverpool’s pre-season tour in Asia is a clear indication that a summer exit would be the ideal solution for all parties involved.

A return to Serie A is on the cards with Atalanta, AS Roma, Fiorentina, and Bologna lining up to bring the former Juventus star back to his homeland.

Atalanta are leading the race and are expected to make a move once they finalise an exit for Ademola Lookman. Liverpool are demanding around €15m (£13m) for Chiesa.

Once that transfer goes through, they’ll reinvest the proceeds into another left winger, and Fofana is firmly on their radar.

Fofana is valued at €30m (£26m) on Transfermarkt. He has three years left on his contract, so Lyon will likely ask for a higher fee.