Key Takeaways:
- Negotiations between Napoli and Federico Chiesa’s agent started as the Italian club targets a January loan move
- Chiesa has scored two goals and provided three assists in 12 Liverpool appearances this season but has yet to start in the Premier League
- Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso has reportedly urged Chiesa to return to Serie A for increased playing time
Transfer Talks: Napoli Make Their Move
Napoli have actively entered discussions with Federico Chiesa’s representatives over a potential transfer in January. The Serie A holders are prioritising Chiesa as a key addition to their attacking options and are structuring a deal that would bring the Liverpool winger to Italy. The plan involves an initial loan arrangement, coupled with an option to purchase, and is reportedly valued at €13 million.
Negotiations are understood to have commenced between Napoli and Chiesa’s agent, with journalist Emanuele Cammaroto revealing that “discussions are underway” concerning the 28-year-old’s situation at Liverpool. Final terms have yet to be agreed, as Liverpool are said to be pushing for an obligation to buy clause rather than a simple option. Napoli first aim to secure the player’s consent before entering advanced talks with the Premier League side.
Il Napoli potrebbe tornare sull'obiettivo Federico Chiesa 💣💥
Secondo quanto riportato da Il Mattino, la dirigenza azzurra starebbe nuovamente pensando all'esterno del Liverpool, non proprio centralissimo nelle rotazioni di Slot 🔴👀
L'affare potrebbe andare in porto in… pic.twitter.com/cZlrwRQwIT
— Spazio Napoli (@Spazio_Napoli) November 16, 2025
Chiesa’s Playing Time at Liverpool: A Statistical Breakdown
Although Chiesa delivered a positive impact during his limited spells on the field – scoring twice and supplying three assists in all competitions – he has yet to start a Premier League match for the Reds this season. Specifically, the Italian has contributed two goals and one assist in eight league appearances and two goals with three assists from 12 matches overall, clocking a total of 344 minutes. This mirrors last season’s pattern, in which Chiesa managed only 466 minutes across the league campaign.
Chiesa’s quality earned him the club’s Player of the Month award for September. Reflecting on the fierce competition for places, he told 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.”
Gattuso Steps In: International Implications
As Napoli intensify their push, Gennaro Gattuso, the current manager of Italy’s national squad, has played a direct role in encouraging Chiesa’s return to Serie A. Reports suggest Gattuso has “specifically asked Chiesa to return to Italy,” in hopes that increased domestic minutes will keep him in peak condition for international selection.
Chiesa’s recent history with the national side has been mixed; he declined call-ups for World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Norway and last wore the Azzurri shirt at Euro 2024, following which Italy were knocked out in the round of 16. Gattuso clarified in September: “He didn’t feel ready to return; he wants to be 100%. We decided it together very calmly.”
Now, however, Gattuso views a Serie A move as vital for Chiesa to further his career “at a crossroads,” with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. This intervention could weigh heavily on the winger’s decision.
Napoli’s Transfer Strategy and Funding
Club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis is reportedly prepared to make a winter transfer budget of about €50 million available in support of manager Antonio Conte. Conte is keen on adding players who can operate across multiple positions, and Chiesa’s adaptability on either wing or as a supporting striker strengthens his appeal. The Italian champions’ sustained interest underlines their determination to bring Chiesa back to Serie A, dependent on Liverpool’s final demands.
Liverpool’s Attacking Conundrum
The outcome of Napoli’s negotiations for Chiesa could influence Liverpool’s broader transfer activity. The club are rumoured to be considering a summer move for Serge Gnabry, whose contract at Bayern Munich will expire, although the deal is questioned by some analysts due to Gnabry’s injury history and wage expectations. The future of Chiesa – who, despite limited starts, remains valued within the squad – may directly impact Liverpool’s pursuit of additional attacking reinforcements.
What Lies Ahead?
The weeks leading up to the January window will be pivotal as Napoli seek to finalise a deal with Chiesa and reach an agreement with Liverpool on purchase clauses. Chiesa must weigh his ambition to compete at Anfield against the promise of consistent action in Serie A and the incentives presented by his national team manager. With all parties invested in the outcome, the resolution of these talks is set to have a significant ripple effect on both Liverpool’s and Napoli’s plans moving forward.
