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Liverpool have reportedly lined up a replacement for Federico Chiesa, with the Italian winger seemingly destined for an Anfield exit this summer.

The 27-year-old, who joined the Reds for just £10 million from Juventus last August, has endured a disappointing debut season that has convinced both player and club that a parting of ways is the best solution.

Chiesa’s struggles at Anfield saw him manage only 13 appearances across all competitions with just four Premier League starts, failing to establish himself in Arne Slot’s squad.

His lack of playing time has prompted Italy’s new manager Gennaro Gattuso to tell him he must “play consistently” to earn a national team recall, adding further pressure for a move.

Napoli have emerged as the frontrunners, with reports indicating they are in “advanced stages” of negotiations and have already opened preliminary talks with Chiesa’s agent.

And the Liverpool recruitment team have certainly wasted no time in lining up a replacement.

At least according to Sky Sport Switzerland, who have reported that the Reds are very interested in Olympique Lyon’s Malick Fofana as a squad replacement for Chiesa.

It is claimed that Liverpool’s head of recruitment, Barry Hunter, is a big fan of the 20-year-old winger, and has him high on the list.

Sky Sport Switzerland report:

“While Chelsea sounded out Olympique Lyonnais to get information on the case last week, it is above all Liverpool who remain in a real concrete interest in Fofana.

“Admired by Barry Hunter, the Reds’ head of recruitment, who has placed him at the top of his list, Liverpool will first have to sell Federico Chiesa before operating, again, the ticket machine during this transfer window.”

“The first option to replace Federico Chiesa, there is no real discussion yet around personal conditions.”

Fofana recently switched agents to Roc Nation, a common tactic used by players preparing to make a switch to a new club.

Malick Fofana

The Belgian international has been impressing since a€17 million move from KAA Gent in January 2024.

The 20-year-old recorded 11 goals and six assists across 41 appearances last season.

It is far from the first time the Reds have been linked to the player, with his former agent saying earlier this year that Fofana admires Liverpool:

“The choice of the heart would be Liverpool,” Bobo Fofana said earlier this year.

“He has the potential to become a regular, and above all, we’d like to see him succeed African legends such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane.”

“He has the profile to succeed in the Premier League.”

“There’s no doubt he can shine.”

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