7 hours ago
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Mohamed Salah's unsettled circumstances at Liverpool could pave the way for Federico Chiesa to play a more prominent role in the squad, forcing the Reds to decide against a transfer exit for the Italian.
The drama comes amid renewed transfer interest in Chiesa from Italy. Despite penning a new two-year deal at the close of last season, Salah appears on the brink of exiting the club. After warming the bench for three successive matches, Salah pointed fingers at the club for allegedly making him a scapegoat and disclosed that his rapport with Arne Slot had soured.
The 33-year-old winger is uncertain if Brighton will be his swansong for Liverpool, as preparations for AFCON kick off next week.
Chiesa made the switch to Liverpool from Juventus last year. But the Italian has seen limited action in the Premier League since landing at Anfield. Due to his sparse playing time, Chiesa has frequently been associated with a move elsewhere.
However, despite ongoing interest from Italy, the 28-year-old may have discovered a route back into Slot's plans.
Italian publication Tuttomercatoweb reports that Roma and Napoli have expressed interest in the winger in "recent days."
Both clubs are contemplating a loan deal, which could prove beneficial for both Chiesa and Liverpool. But Liverpool's No. 14 might choose to bide his time, as Salah's precarious future could directly influence his own standing at the club.
Chiesa may have anticipated that Salah's recent stint on the substitutes' bench would provide an opening for him to secure playing time.
That opportunity hasn't materialized over the past week, but should Salah remain sidelined - as is the case for Tuesday's Champions League encounter with Inter Milan - Chiesa might finally get his moment to make an impression.
His significance could increase substantially should Salah opt to depart in January. The Egyptian acknowledged in his candid remarks that he remains uncertain about what lies ahead following Saturday's fixture against Brighton.
Despite enduring similar frustrations from the bench, Chiesa has maintained his dedication in trying to force his way into Slot's first team. He has even declined numerous Italy call-ups to maintain peak fitness and concentrate on his club performances.
Chiesa still has ambitions of representing Italy at the 2026 World Cup, but recognizes that regular appearances and impressive displays in the Premier League are crucial to staying in the running.
Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso informed reporters: "I often talk to him. We have to respect the decisions and problems that each of us has. We know well what we tell each other, and I must respect what the player tells me. I can’t say anything else."
While Chiesa won't be forcing Salah toward the exit, the Egyptian's possible departure would create a considerable void on the right flank, and the 28-year-old could at last have the chance to occupy it.
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