Napoli Eyes Federico Chiesa Amid Transfer Talks with Liverpool

Napoli is actively pursuing a deal to acquire Liverpool’s attacker Federico Chiesa, with reports indicating that discussions have commenced between the Italian club and the player’s agent. The current Serie A champions are eager to enhance their offensive capabilities and have identified Chiesa as a key target for the upcoming January transfer window.

According to journalist Emanuele Cammaroto from NapoliMagazine, “discussions are underway” regarding Chiesa’s situation at Liverpool. The 28-year-old Italian international has experienced limited playing time in the Premier League this season, failing to secure a single start despite contributing two goals and one assist in eight league appearances, and two goals and three assists in 12 appearances across all competitions.

Napoli’s proposed arrangement includes an initial loan with an option to buy in January, potentially valued at €13 million (£11m/$14m). While Liverpool is not entirely opposed to Chiesa’s departure, they are reportedly insisting on including an obligation to purchase clause in any loan agreement. Napoli’s strategy is to first reach an understanding with the player before finalizing terms with Liverpool.

A significant factor influencing Chiesa’s potential move back to Italy is the direct involvement of Italy’s national team manager, Gennaro Gattuso. Reports indicate that Gattuso has “specifically asked Chiesa to return to Italy,” suggesting a desire for the winger to gain consistent playing time to sharpen his skills for international duty.

Chiesa’s relationship with the national team has been complex recently, as he declined call-ups for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Norway. He has not represented the Azzurri since Euro 2024, where Italy was eliminated in the round of 16. Gattuso confirmed in September that the decision for Chiesa to focus on his club commitments was mutual, stating, “He didn’t feel ready to return; he wants to be 100%. We decided it together very calmly.”

However, Gattuso’s current sentiment, urging Chiesa to return to Serie A, indicates his belief that a move back to Italy would be advantageous for Chiesa’s career at a critical juncture, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching. This could significantly influence Chiesa’s decision-making process.

Despite a relatively strong start to the season regarding goal contributions, Federico Chiesa has struggled to secure regular starts under manager Arne Slot at Liverpool. He has logged only 344 minutes across 12 appearances, with Slot showing little inclination to field him in the Premier League. This trend mirrors last season, where Chiesa accumulated just 466 minutes in the league.

Chiesa’s limited playing time comes despite his commendable individual performances, as he was named Liverpool’s Player of the Month in September after netting twice and providing three assists. He acknowledged the fierce competition at Liverpool, stating to Daily Mail Sport, “If I don’t want competition, I go to another team. But I want the competition! I want to play here and think it helps me become a better player.”

Nevertheless, reports suggest that this desire for competition is overshadowed by a lack of consistent starting opportunities, which could adversely affect his status with the national team, especially with Gattuso’s clear preference for his return to Italy.

Napoli’s interest in Chiesa aligns with their broader strategy to strengthen the squad, with club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis reportedly prepared to allocate a winter transfer budget of approximately €50 million (£44m/$58m) to support manager Antonio Conte. Conte is eager to augment his attacking options, and Chiesa’s versatility as a wide attacker capable of operating on both flanks or as a second striker makes him an appealing candidate for varying formations.

The Serie A champions have monitored Chiesa for some time, indicating a sustained interest in acquiring the player. While the completion of the move depends on Liverpool’s position, Napoli appears resolute in their pursuit of his services.

Chiesa stands at a pivotal moment in his career as the January transfer window approaches. His decision will hinge on his ambition to compete at Liverpool versus the opportunity for guaranteed playing time at Napoli, coupled with Gattuso’s encouragement to return to Serie A.

For Liverpool, the situation involving Chiesa could influence their own transfer strategies. Reports suggest that Liverpool is also considering a deal for Serge Gnabry, whose contract with Bayern Munich expires this summer. Some analysts contend that pursuing Gnabry—given his injury history and substantial salary demands—while Chiesa is already at the club and available, would be imprudent. The outcome of the Chiesa negotiations may therefore directly impact Liverpool’s pursuit of additional attacking players.

The forthcoming weeks will be crucial as discussions between Napoli and Chiesa’s agent progress, and as Liverpool’s stance on the obligatory purchase clause becomes clearer. While Chiesa’s immediate focus will remain on his performance for Liverpool, a move back to Italy appears increasingly probable.