Federico Chiesa's stance on Liverpool January exit as forward has clear plan in mind

Federico Chiesa is yet to start a meaningful Premier League game since joining Liverpool

Federico Chiesa still wants to make a go of his Liverpool career, despite being the subject of interest ahead of the January transfer window.

Chiesa has looked bright during a lot of his appearances this season, but most of those appearances have come as a substitute – despite the poor form of some of Liverpool's attacking players.

Some observers might have thought that the struggles of the likes of Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo would give Arne Slot the perfect opportunity to hand Federico Chiesa a start.

However, his only starts have come in the League Cup – from which Liverpool was eliminated in October – and all of his appearances in the Premier League and in Europe have come as a substitute.

Chiesa has managed two goals and three assists despite his limited game time, but at the moment it appears unlikely that he will be able to force his way in to Slot's team as a regular starter.

The Athletic says that Chiesa has a number of admirers, but that letting him go in January would be a risky move by Liverpool, and it is referenced that he has previously said that he wants to make more of an impact for the Reds this season.

Despite what Chiesa might have previously said, the temptation to play regularly in a World Cup season may ultimately factor into his thinking when the transfer window opens.

Italy is yet to guarantee its place at next summer's showpiece in North America, with a play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland to come in March before a possible final against either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Chiesa has not represented his country since last summer's European Championship, with the start of his international absence coinciding with his move to Liverpool last summer.

Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso has been keen to include Chiesa in his recent squads, only for the winger to reject the call-ups.

Gattuso explained in October that Chiesa had rejected the chance to return to the international fold because he did not feel match-fit enough to make an impact for his country.

After being asked recently whether Chiesa could hold the key to breaking down Northern Ireland in the play-off semi-final,

Gattuso snapped back: “You always ask the same questions.

"I call Chiesa. I call him before every international break. The problem isn’t Gattuso or his coaching staff. It’s his (Chiesa's) problem. Not ours.

“You know that very well. You always ask me the same questions, and I keep giving you the same answer."

promoted link

#ad Liverpool Travel Mug - https://amzn.to/44BpElM