Federico Chiesa has been linked with a move away from Liverpool, but the winger could feature more in Arne Slot's plans - and it may be influenced by Mohamed Salah's uncertain future
Mohamed Salah's uncertain future at Liverpool could open the door for Federico Chiesa to play a bigger role in the squad, despite fresh interest from Italian clubs. The Egyptian appears to be on his way out despite penning a new two-year deal earlier this year.
After finding himself on the bench for three matches in a row, Salah hit out at the club for making himself a 'scapegoat' and admitted his relationship with Arne Slot had broken down. The 33-year-old hinted that the Brighton fixture could mark his final appearance for Liverpool, with preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations kicking off next week.
Chiesa arrived at Anfield from Juventus last year in a £10m deal, with a further £2.5m in potential add-ons due. While he featured prominently in Serie A, the Italian international has struggled for Premier League action since his switch to Merseyside.
His limited opportunities have sparked regular speculation about a potential departure. And now, despite ongoing interest from Italy, the 28-year-old could find himself back in Slot's thinking.
Italian publication Tuttomercatoweb reports that AS Roma and Napoli have made enquiries about the winger in 'recent days.' Both sides are reportedly weighing up a loan deal, which could suit Chiesa and Liverpool.
However, Liverpool's No. 14 might be wise to hold fire, as Salah's unclear future could have a direct bearing on his own prospects at the club.
Chiesa might have anticipated that Salah's recent stint on the substitutes' bench would create an opening for him to secure playing time. That hasn't materialised over the last week, but should Salah continue to be omitted - as he is for Tuesday's Champions League encounter with Inter Milan - Chiesa could seize his opportunity to prove his worth.
His significance could increase even more if Salah opts to depart in January. The Egyptian acknowledged in his remarks that he remains uncertain about what lies ahead following Saturday's fixture against Brighton.
Despite enduring similar frustrations on the bench, Chiesa has persisted in working diligently to force his way into Slot's line-up. He has even rejected several Italy call-ups to maintain peak fitness and concentrate on his club performances.
Chiesa still harbours ambitions of representing Italy at the 2026 World Cup, but recognises that regular game time and impressive displays in the Premier League are crucial to staying in the reckoning.
Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso recently told reporters, via Football Italia : "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 towards the exit, the Egyptian's possible departure would create a substantial vacancy on the right flank, and Italian could finally get the chance to occupy it.