Serie A side Atalanta have reportedly set their sights on Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa, with plans to move for the Italy international if they lose Ademola Lookman to Inter Milan.
Chiesa was notably absent from Liverpool’s travelling squad for their pre-season tour of Hong Kong and Japan, amid growing speculation about a possible transfer this summer.
While Liverpool have maintained that his omission was due to a fitness issue, many believe it was at least partly linked to an anticipated move away from the club.
So far, no concrete developments have emerged despite Chiesa being linked to several clubs in his native Italy, but that situation may soon change.
The Times’ Paul Joyce has corroborated reports from Italy regarding Atalanta’s interest.
The Serie A club are currently in talks with Inter Milan over a deal for Ademola Lookman.
With Lookman keen to join the Serie A runners-up, Atalanta are expected to pursue Chiesa as his replacement.
According to Football Italia, the two clubs aim to finalise a deal in the coming days, potentially as early as Tuesday, with Lookman valued at around €50million (£43.4million).
Although Chiesa is under contract with Liverpool until 2028, it is unlikely the club would demand a fee anywhere near that amount if they were to sell him this summer.
However, Liverpool could still make a sizeable profit, having paid just £10million to sign the Italy international from Juventus less than a year ago.
The transfer was initially viewed as an excellent market opportunity, providing manager Arne Slot with a sixth senior forward at a cut-price fee.
On the pitch, though, Chiesa’s impact was limited.
He scored twice and provided one assist in 14 appearances last season, accumulating only 466 minutes due to ongoing fitness struggles.
Despite his peripheral role, Chiesa has become a popular figure within the squad and remains committed.
Italy’s head coach Gennaro Gattuso has stressed that Chiesa will need regular playing time to earn a recall to the national team, making a move back to Serie A a logical next step.
Atalanta could offer the perfect environment for the forward’s resurgence, with Champions League football available at a club that finished third in last season’s Serie A.
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