Federico Chiesa makes Juventus 'call' amid Liverpool transfer rumors

Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa continues to be linked with a transfer move away from Anfield, where he is still struggling for regular minutes under Arne Slot

Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa during the Premier League game against Fulham.(Image: Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)

Federico Chiesa has been in contact with some of his old teammates at Juventus amid speculation that he could leave Liverpool this year, according to reports in Italy.

Rarely used by Arne Slot, and usually limited to a cameo off the bench here and there, Chiesa has been tipped to rejoin his former club in order to get enough minutes ahead of the World Cup. The 28-year-old has recently turned down the chance to represent his national team, but may change his stance ahead of the summer.

The Italian outlet Tuttosport claims that Chiesa has spoken with some Juventus players. So far, though, Liverpool has not received contact from the Serie A side, whose manager played down the links earlier in the week.

"I am pleased you are giving me this news, seeing as we haven’t even had a meeting yet on the transfer market," Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti said on Tuesday, via Football Italia.

"But it’s the first I’ve heard of it. For the moment, it’s just thrown out there, but absolutely nothing concrete behind it."

Chiesa has supposedly spoken to some of his old teammates and friends at Juventus, especially Dusan Vlahovic, Manuel Locatelli and Federico Gatti.

Federico Chiesa has been linked with a move away from Liverpool in January(Image: Getty Images)

While some of the hierarchy at Juventus are keen to re-sign Chiesa from Liverpool this month, not everyone is convinced that it would be the right move, Tutto Juve says.

Chiesa is well down the pecking order under Slot and has therefore been linked with an exit. Liverpool can't really afford to lose him, though, with several players injured and a limited amount of squad depth.

Mohamed Salah is currently away at AFCON, while Alexander Isak is out injured with a broken leg. Hugo Ekitike has missed the last two games but he is not expected to be sidelined for long.

"I do feel better, in terms of physical ability," Chiesa said in September. "I think I have played more this season than last season combined I think. So I am happy and have to continue on this path.

"It was really difficult but I think I wasn't at the level that the coach wanted me to play. I understood his choices last year. This year is different, I feel better physically and mentally. The coach I think sees that and has given me more opportunities.

"I am glad I have made contributions in the Premier League. That is what the coach wants and what the other players want. To play for Liverpool, you have to make a difference. I have to keep on working hard to get more chances in the future."

Liverpool.com says: Ultimately, Chiesa has not done enough to warrant more minutes. When he has been given chances, he has lacked pace, which is vital out wide.

Selling him shouldn't be on the agenda (at least not until the summer) but he will remain a bit-part player. Perhaps, he could get another opportunity on Monday against Barnsley.