CM: Gattuso’s advice and ‘broken’ Liverpool relationship – Chiesa to leave with Milan waiting

Federico Chiesa is not expected to spend the 2025-26 season with Liverpool, and AC Milan are among his potential destinations.

According to Calciomercato.com, the new Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has strongly advised Chiesa to find a new club so he can also return to having an important role the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, and several options remain open in Italy.

His relationship is ‘already broken with Liverpool’ and thus his agents are at work to find him some accommodation. He did not join the preseason tour of the Premier League champions officially due to ‘injury management’, but really Arne Slot has made it clear he is not in his plans.

Milan one of the options

Chiesa hasn’t given up completely, in fact he’d like to continue his adventure at Liverpool, but he doesn’t want to spend another year on the bench. So, knowing that he probably has to leave, he has prioritised a return to Serie A.

His representatives have been working on a move for some time, and among the clubs contacted Napoli are the most active. However, they are prioritising sales, like Giovanni Simeone to Torino and Giacomo Raspadori, who has been approached by Atalanta and Atletico Madrid.

The other team interested are Milan, with Massimiliano Allegri willing to welcome him back in a role either as an alternative to Rafael Leao or as a false nine. The possible departure of Samuel Chukwueze could open up another spot on the flanks too.

Photos: Claudio Villa + Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Inter and Roma are one row behind, because they are keeping an eye on things but prioritising other names. Chiesa could return to prominence for Inter only if the Ademola Lookman deal falls through completely.

Gian Piero Gasperini, on the other hand, would happily say yes to the former Juventus player, but first the club would have to sell a player like Arte Dovbyk. In this case Chiesa would act as a false nine, alternating with Evan Ferguson.

What about the figures? Chiesa has a long-term contract with the Reds, which expires in 2028, but they’re willing to let him go for a modest fee or consider a loan deal with an option to buy. The €6m a year he earns with the Reds is another obstacle not to be underestimated.

His physical condition scares off clubs interested in him at that salary level. It will essentially be a chess game in which Chiesa’s will will have to play a central role. Should he force his hand or not? And for who?