'Liverpool decide Federico Chiesa's fate as Malick Fofana hunt intensifies'

The future of Federico Chiesa has been decided as Liverpool pursue a deal for Lyon winger Malick Fofana.

Chiesa has endured a difficult spell at Anfield since joining the club last summer from Juventus.  

The Italian only appeared 14 times for the Reds last season, scoring just two goals.  

The 27-year-old has had his injury issues over the years, and a muscle problem hampered his start at Liverpool.  

With Arne Slot’s team then charging towards the Premier League title, Chiesa then had little opportunity to prove his worth. 

The chance to sign Fofana has emerged after Lyon were relegated to the French second division due to their financial situation.  

Slot could snatch talent at cut-price

A deal for the Fofana should not be tricky given Lyon’s position, but the club do intend to appeal the verdict. 

The Mirror state Liverpool will intensify their interest in the 20-year-old following an earlier report from Sky Sports Switzerland that the Reds will have to sell Chiesa before they can make a move.  

Fofana is keen on a move after his former representatives claimed moving to Liverpool would be his dream move.  

The transfer makes sense for the youngster if a suitor can be found for Chiesa.  

Chiesa hasn’t impressed on Merseyside with his poor performance against Plymouth in the FA Cup doing little to endear himself to supporters.  

It was exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Liverpool do plan on accepting a £10million offer for the forward.

Slot should move exciting prospect

Fofana would be an exciting signing and having already bought Florian Wirtz from Leverkusen, Slot is strengthening an already potent forward line. 

The Belgian can also operate anywhere across the front line and his pace and dribbling ability could certainly add more dynamism to the Liverpool attack than what Chiesa was offering when fit.  

Fofana’s qualities look to be an ideal match for this Liverpool side, but his ideal position on the right flank is already taken up by Salah, who Slot is by no means going to leave out of his starting line-up.  

Poaching one of Lyon’s top players though would be a smart move from Slot and potentially leave money in the bank to secure a striker should Darwin Nunez leave.  

Fofana’s stats in Ligue 1 last season were also impressive for a young winger.  

Learning off Salah could only be a good opportunity for him should he accept that he may not be the first name on the team sheet each week.