Napoli manager Antonio Conte has “made a personal move” to sign Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa, according to a fresh claim from journalist Emanuele Cammaroto.
The Italian has again struggled to force his way into Arne Slot’s plans this season, with the Reds’ head coach not valuing him as a key man.
It means that doubts persist over Chiesa’s future at Liverpool, and speaking on Radio Punto Zero, with his quotes relayed by Sport Witness, Cammaroto claimed that Premier League-winning manager Conte wants to bring him to Napoli:
“Chiesa? Conte has made a personal move. Juventus is very keen on their former player, but Napoli has an excellent relationship with Federico and his father Enrico.”
Does Chiesa have a future at Liverpool?
Chiesa’s Liverpool career has been a curious one, with the 28-year-old such a popular player among the fanbase, due to his team ethic and positive demeanour.
Some Reds supporters feel that he has deserved more minutes than he has been given, with former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp hailing him earlier this season, saying:
“I thought he was fabulous today; his energy, desire, it hasn’t gone well for him so far. He’s had a few moments and definitely lately you’ve seen signs that he is going back to that player we all knew he could be. But I think today he was just what they needed, as without him, they would have been in a bit of a hole. The two assists were exceptional.”
As long as Slot is in charge at Liverpool, though, it feels almost impossible for Chiesa to be an important player, so a parting of ways in the summer feels like the right decision for all parties.
Selling him to Napoli in the current transfer window would make no sense whatsoever, however, with the Reds already short of depth in wide attacking areas, and Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo not exactly in sparkling form this season.
Hopefully, Chiesa still has an important role to play before the end of the season, and it would be lovely to see him have a big moment in a significant game, such as in the latter stages of the Champions League.
