Arne Slot ‘will not sanction the sale of Federico Chiesa’ as it stands, with Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez having left Liverpool this summer.
The Reds are looking thin in the forward department and while many expected Chiesa to be among the departures, reports in Italy suggest otherwise.
Chiesa, Cody Gakpo, Mo Salah and Hugo Ekitike are currently Liverpool’s frontline options for the forward spots, with young Rio Ngumoha backing up.
The tragic death of Diogo Jota and sales of Nunez and Diaz mean Slot’s answer on selling Chiesa is ‘unequivocal’, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
They say he is needed by the club but the situation could yet change depending on Liverpool’s incomings in the final 20 days of the transfer window.
Both Napoli and Inter Milan are the Serie A giants considered most likely to move for the former Juventus man.
Federico Chiesa must stay at Liverpool if they do not sign more players, according to reports
Arne Slot has thin resources in the frontline and an injury crisis could derail the season
The protracted pursuit of Alexander Isak is one to keep a close eye on, with the Reds expected to test Newcastle’s resolve with a second bid if given encouragement.
And there is also interest in PSG winger Bradley Barcola, who as it stands appears unlikely to leave the French champions.
Chiesa stayed behind while Liverpool were on their pre-season tour in Asia, with many considering his absence as an indication of a move away.
But the Italian was dealing with muscular issues back on Merseyside and he was an unused substitute for the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday.
Chiesa was Liverpool’s only arrival last summer but it was a frustrating campaign for the winger.
Fitness issues and difficulty breaking into the starting line-up meant his game time was severely limited.
There were flashes of his undoubted talent, including a goal in the League Cup final, but he was also part of the dismal FA Cup exit against Plymouth.
If Liverpool are unable to sign any more attackers this transfer window, Chiesa seems likely to stay at Anfield and have the chance to give a greater account of himself this term.