Federico Chiesa option for Liverpool exit emerges after Raheem Sterling transfer decision

Monday could prove to be an interesting day in Liverpool’s summer transfer plans.

Several players appear to be nearing the exit at Anfield, with Darwin Nunez and Tyler Morton being heavily linked with departures. Others are expected to follow, with Kostas Tsimikas, Harvey Elliott and Ben Doak among the group of potential outgoing transfers before the window shuts in just under four weeks.

All five of those were involved in the pre-season matches in Asia last month, with Liverpool facing AC Milan and Yokohama F.Marinos as part of the tour. But Federico Chiesa did not travel to Hong Kong and Japan.

No official reason was ever provided by the club, with mentions of an injury of a possible transfer rumored. Either way, his time as a Liverpool player appears to be coming to an end.

There is no shortage of interest from clubs in Italy, while Chiesa has also been linked with moves to Spain and Turkey. The 27-year-old admitted earlier this summer that he would be willing to return to Serie A after a largely unsuccessful year at Liverpool, where he started just one Premier League match all season.

Now, fresh reports have claimed Chiesa is a target for Serie A champions Napoli. According to Corriere dello Sport, the club is considering whether to sign a winger or full-back after making six additions in the market this summer.

If Napoli adds an attacker, there are three options available in the Premier League. Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling have all attracted interest, given they are deemed surplus to requirements at Manchester City and Chelsea.

Chiesa is the third possibility and the article adds that his lower salary could work in his favor.

Meanwhile, transfer reporter Nicolo Schira also claims Chiesa remains a target for Napoli and has asked Liverpool to allow him to leave this summer.

Whether the former Juventus man is involved in Liverpool’s squad to face Athletic Bilbao on Monday could also indicate just how far removed he is from Liverpool’s plans.

With the Reds facing Bilbao over two back-to-back matches, it will hugely stretch Arne Slot’s resources. The Liverpool head coach will need as many fit players as possible.

Should he opt to exclude Chiesa, it would be seen as a clear sign he is longer part of the Reds’ plans.

Given that Luis Diaz left Liverpool earlier this week, the Reds are particularly short of wide attackers.

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