Napoli interested in signing “special” Liverpool star who isn’t “happy” with Arne Slot

Arne Slot reacts. (REUTERS/David Klein)

Liverpool’s campaign has slowly found its footing after a turbulent opening that threatened to overshadow Arne Slot’s first season at Anfield.

A brutal spell that saw the Reds suffer nine defeats in 12 matches across all competitions marked their worst run over such a period since the early 1950s and left serious questions hanging over the direction of the team.

Since then, there has been a clear uptick. Liverpool are unbeaten in nine games, have climbed back into fourth place in the Premier League, and showed renewed authority in Europe with an impressive Champions League victory over Inter Milan.

Performances are stabilising, confidence is returning, and results are beginning to reflect that shift.

Still, progress on the pitch has not translated into universal contentment behind the scenes, and one high-profile name – that isn’t Mohamed Salah – now being linked with a possible move away.

Napoli are keeping close tabs on Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa and are exploring the possibility of a loan move, according to Sky in Italy.

That interest, however, is not yet advanced. Sky Sports News report that no formal approach has been made to Liverpool, either for a temporary deal or a permanent transfer, and the Merseyside club are currently reluctant to sanction any January exit.

Liverpool’s stance is clear: they are not interested in loaning Chiesa out and would only consider serious, permanent offers if discussions were to develop.

The 28-year-old has actually been more involved this season than last, registering 15 Premier League appearances and scoring twice. Even so, frustration has crept in. Slot recently admitted that Chiesa “wasn’t happy” after the head coach opted to include teenage winger Rio Ngumoha ahead of him in the Champions League squad.

Despite that disappointment, Chiesa remains highly regarded at Anfield. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker has described the Italy international as “special”, underlining the quality Liverpool still believe he brings to the squad.

Signed from Juventus in August 2024, Chiesa has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract. While Napoli’s admiration is genuine, any move this window looks far from straightforward, with Liverpool keen to retain depth as they push through the second half of the season.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider.

Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.