By OkayGoal
Federico Chiesa wants to stay in the Premier League, but after two league minutes all season, Liverpool could soon sit him down and try to change his mind about a January move to Italy.
Liverpool and the 28-year-old could hold a meeting about a winter exit, according to Sport Witness, who cite Tuttomercatoweb. AC Milan and Lazio have both made enquiries about him.
The sticking point is the player himself. Chiesa has been clear that he wants to stay in England and make his mark in the Premier League, so the Reds would have to talk him round.
As things stand, the talks are still only a possibility. No meeting or deal has been reported yet.
Why could Federico Chiesa leave Liverpool in January?
Because this season has been a write-off so far. Injuries have marred his campaign and kept him out of pre-season altogether, and his only Premier League appearance lasted two minutes against Manchester City.
The wider picture does not help him. Andoni Iraola is flying with this group, and Liverpool vs Arsenal on Sunday is the next big test, yet Chiesa is nowhere near that conversation. When Iraola weighed up his rotation options against Chelsea in the League Cup, the Italian was not part of the debate at all.
Which clubs want Federico Chiesa?
Milan and Lazio are the two named as having enquired. Inter Milan have also been monitoring him closely, and if Luis Henrique leaves the San Siro in January, a Nerazzurri move for Chiesa cannot be ruled out.
This is not a new theme. Italian clubs made initial enquiries in the past and interest surfaced again late in the summer window, but it never turned into a formal approach.
How much would a Federico Chiesa transfer cost?
That is the unknown. Liverpool’s valuation of the former Juventus man has not been revealed, although the Italian clubs would be open to an initial loan with an option to buy. That structure suits a buyer unsure about his fitness, and it would get him off the Anfield books without a fight over a fee.
Could Federico Chiesa stay in the Premier League?
It looks a long shot. Chiesa has struggled physically in English football, and that record could reduce the chances of another Premier League club taking him on. Wanting to stay is one thing. Finding a club willing to bet on that body at 28 is another.
Then there is Italy. He has dropped off the national team’s radar, and the Azzurri were one of his main routes to fame during his Juventus years.
Verdict: Federico Chiesa has to take the Italian road
I understand the pride in wanting to prove himself here, but two minutes in the league is not a platform for anything. If Liverpool open the door, Chiesa should walk through it, and a loan to Milan, Lazio or Inter is the most realistic way of playing regularly again.
The player has to push for this himself. Things are at rock bottom, and another six months on the sidelines at Anfield would only make the next move harder to find.