Liverpool outcast ‘seeks move away from Anfield’… with many top European clubs ‘lining up for his signature’ after a miserable spell on Merseyside

Federico Chiesa is reportedly looking for a way out of Liverpool in January, just five months after his arrival from Juventus.

The Italian winger arrived on Merseyside in August for an initial £10million fee, which could rise to £12.5m based on add-ons, as the only major arrival of Arne Slot’s first transfer window.

Chiesa was hailed as a ‘bargain’ when he arrived and another proven talent to add to their heaps in the forward positions.

The 27-year-old has made just four appearances since arriving at Anfield, making just one start for the club in the Carabao Cup third-round win over West Ham.

Injuries have once again hampered Chiesa’s progress at the Reds, while he plays second fiddle to goalscoring machine Mohamed Salah.

And now, having only played 18 minutes of Premier League football this season, Chiesa is seeking a loan move, according to Italian outlet FootMercato.

Chiesa has made just one start, against West Ham in the Carabao Cup, since arriving at Anfield

Chiesa was an unused substitute during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Leicester on Boxing Day

Several Serie A clubs are said to be in the hunt for the forward, who had never played outside of his home country before his move in the summer.

Napoli are believed to be in pole position for his signature alongside AC Milan – the club Chiesa made his Liverpool Champions League debut against.

The Italy international’s former side Fiorentina are also viewed as an option, with La Viola looking to bring the winger home.

Nevertheless, while there are plenty of interested parties, Chiesa is seemingly not looking for a permanent move away from the Premier League leaders.

Chiesa made his league debut as a late substitute during Liverpool’s comfortable 3-0 win over Bournemouth in September.

However, a series of setbacks have left Chiesa frustrated with his game time, with the Italian an unused substitute in the Reds Boxing Day victory against Leicester.

When questioned about the winger’s position at the club, Liverpool head coach Slot insisted he is on his way back to full fitness.

‘You see him on the pitch now, it means he’s getting stronger and better. He had to adapt for quite a long time. I’ve said so many times, as expected if you miss team training sessions for so long.

Arne Slot has indiciated that Chiesa is nearing full fitness after a series of problems this season

Chiesa spent four seasons at Juventus before he moved to Mersyside, and many Serie A clubs are now interested in signing him

‘And then you go to a league where the intensity is so high as well, and to a team who plays with a lot of intensity.

‘He is getting stronger, but he’s also facing a lot of competition in the right-wing position.’

Chiesa was frozen out of Juventus by manager Thiago Motta in the summer having spent four seasons in Turin, during which he scored 32 goals in 131 games.

The 26-year-old – who is the son of former football star Enrico Chiesa – has also netted seven times in 51 appearances for Italy.