Arne Slot is reportedly "not impressed" by Federico Chiesa's "application and mentality" at Liverpool, with the Italian now being linked with an exit.
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Slot unimpressed with ChiesaItalian winger could leave Liverpool this monthHas played only four games for the RedsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Chiesa joined Liverpool from Juventus for a cut-price £11 million ($14.4m) fee with add-ons in the summer transfer window. The Italian winger was expected to take some of the burden off Mohamed Salah and act as a cover for the Egyptian, however, his first six months in England have been a complete nightmare. The winger has appeared in only four matches across all competitions, clocking just 18 minutes in the Premier League, as he's struggled to maintain full fitness.
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The 27-year-old was left out of Liverpool's matchday squad against West Ham last Sunday and according to journalist Peter Staunton, Slot is "not impressed" with Chiesa's "application and mentality", which suggests he has not been working hard enough in training. Chiesa is said to be homesick and not fond of the weather in England, while he has also struggled to adjust to the physicality of the Premier League.
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While Chiesa's current deal runs until 2027, it is unlikely that he will stay at Anfield until the end of his contract. The Italy international is being tipped to head back to his homeland in the January transfer window, with Napoli, Fiorentina and Inter all reportedly keen on signing him.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?
The Premier League leaders will play their first match of 2025 on Sunday as they take on arch-rivals Manchester United at Anfield. It remains to be seen whether Slot recalls Chiesa to his matchday squad amid mounting speculation over the winger's future.