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Federico Chiesa continues to demonstrate unwavering commitment during Liverpool training sessions despite ongoing speculation regarding a potential departure from Anfield this transfer window. Supporters on social media have commended the Italian for his professionalism.
The winger made the switch to Merseyside last year from Juventus for $16.8 million, representing the sole permanent senior acquisition during Arne Slot's inaugural campaign.
Chiesa's maiden season in England was unfortunately hampered by fitness issues and limited playing opportunities. Speculation has consequently intensified this summer, with Chiesa being touted for a return to Italy following the arrivals of new attacking reinforcements in Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.
However, following glimpses of a recent Reds training session, supporters have been swift to acclaim Chiesa for his application.
In footage shared on YouTube showcasing a training session, Chiesa can be observed wholeheartedly engaging in sprint exercises and small-sided games with an enthusiastic demeanour, which captured the attention of fans in the comments.
"Federico Chiesa is the consummate professional," one comment read.
"Even with his future at the club still up in the air he is out there giving 100 per cent effort in training with a smile on his face. I just love the guy and want the best for him whenever or wherever he plays."
Another posted: "Fede needs to stay, so much to give, he's the only player really we have upfront comfortable on both feet when attacking, which makes him extremely difficult to defend."
Amid a summer of intense speculation, Calciomercato reports that Chiesa would prefer to stay at Liverpool, but only if substantial playing time can be assured. Should this not materialize, he might pursue a transfer, with potential destinations including Napoli, AS Roma, AC Milan, Juventus, Atalanta, Como and Atletico Madrid.
However, Slot may have suggested that the Italian is more likely to remain at the club this transfer window, as he specifically mentioned Chiesa when discussing his attacking personnel this week.
"I think we have a lot of attacking power in our team," Slot began during his pre-Community Shield press conference. "When I think about Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike, Mo Salah, Jeremie Frimpong who can play as a right-winger, Florian Wirtz who can play as a left-winger.
"I already feel I have a lot of attacking options in my current squad. But, as always as a club, we are always looking at the chances in the market but that can also be in the midfield or the last line."
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When questioned directly about Chiesa's prospects in May, following the Italian's solitary league start under his management last season, Slot maintained that the player has a role at Anfield.
"Does he have a future here? Yes, definitely he has, yes," Slot declared. "Definitely. I think everyone playing for us over here has a future over here.
"Next season, if he comes back completely fit, which he has hardly been for the first half-season but then afterwards he became fitter and fitter.
"The next steps should have been playing time, which I couldn't give him. But I can give him playing time in pre-season, so he can build himself up and then go even further."
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Liverpool ECHO by clicking here.
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