Federico Chiesa could be heading back to Italy on loan with Inter Milan.
The 27-year-old winger was Arne Slot’s first signing last summer but has had a rocky start at Anfield, making only one Premier League appearance and missing out on the last five matchday squads as he works on his fitness.
According to Tuttosport, reigning Italian champions Inter are keen to boost their squad with Chiesa for a six-month loan spell. Despite limited game time for Liverpool, AC Milan and AS Roma have also shown interest in the Euro 2020 winner.
It’s unclear if either club is as viable an option as Inter, but Liverpool would be willing to cover part of Chiesa’s wages if he decides to return to Serie A. While rumours of Chiesa’s return to Italy have been circulating, Slot’s previous comments suggest the star has a long-term future at Anfield.
The Dutch gaffer confessed he ‘felt sorry’ for Chiesa due to his limited opportunities, hinting it was purely down to fitness issues.
(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
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“With Federico it’s a bit more simple; although it’s more difficult, but it’s a bit more simple to explain,” Slot clarified last month. “He missed a complete pre-season, I’ve mentioned this numerous times, and transitioning to a league where the intensity might even surpass that of the Italian league.
“We just played against two Italian teams so I can say this now. So that makes it challenging for him to match the intensity levels the rest of the squad is currently at.”
“That doesn’t have much to do with the Italian league or the Premier League, it’s more about him missing a full pre-season and that’s always tough for any player – when matches are constantly happening – to build them up to the levels we’re at.”
“So, it’s hard to say, but it’s a massive disappointment for him that he’s constantly in and out of training sessions. I feel sorry for him.”