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Alexander Isak is being linked with Liverpool, but the current Newcastle star wouldn't be able to claim the No. 14 shirt as it's already taken... at least for the time being.
Federico Chiesa was the sole signing made by Arne Slot last summer. However, the Italian has struggled to find his footing at Anfield and has been excluded from the club's preseason tour of Asia. The former Juventus player could now be heading back to Italy after just one season on Merseyside.
Atalanta has shown interest in the Italian, which would free up the No. 14 shirt for Isak should he decide to join Liverpool. But first, the Serie A side needs to offload Ademola Lookman to Inter Milan before it can finalize a deal for Chiesa, according to reports.
Rumors have been swirling for months that the Reds' underperformer could return to his homeland, and Atalanta are prepared to rescue the 27-year-old from his difficult stint in England.
The Bergamo club is ready to swoop for Chiesa, as reported by Football Italia, but only once Lookman's departure is confirmed.
Inter is keen to bring in the Englishman, who netted 20 goals, as it looks to rebuild its squad following Simone Inzaghi's departure.
Atalanta is holding out for at least £43 million ($57.8 million) before it allows the winger to move on.
Should a move fail to materialize, Isak might set his sights on the No. 9 shirt, currently sported by Darwin Nunez.
The Uruguayan's potential departure was stalled after Napoli withdrew from negotiations, yet he is anticipated to conclude his three-year stint at Liverpool, two of which he donned the No. 9 jersey, in the upcoming weeks.
The Newcastle standout has called St. James' Park home for the past three years and has just wrapped up his most successful season to date.
His impressive streak included scoring in eight consecutive matches, one against Liverpool itself.
With three years remaining on his Newcastle contract, Isak has expressed his desire to seek new pastures, alerting the Reds. Hugo Ekitike's recent arrival from Frankfurt hasn't deterred Slot from considering a move for the Swedish sensation.
Newcastle has managed to retain its key players since the Saudi takeover, but Isak's potential push for an exit could challenge its lofty ambitions.
Captain Bruno Guimaraes acknowledged that Isak is dealing with "some rough things" but remains hopeful that he will rejoin the team for the forthcoming Premier League season.
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