Arne Slot 'makes shock u-turn' on Liverpool player who was desperate to leave the club this summer
Arne Slot has reportedly made a surprise u-turn with a decision on the future of a Liverpool star who looked set to move on this summer.
The Premier League champions have been extremely busy in the transfer market this summer but they have also allowed a number of their players to move on, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Nat Phillips and Tyler Morton.
Kostas Tsimikas, Ben Doak and Harvey Elliott are also contenders to depart Anfield, with the former not included in the squad for the Community Shield penalty shoot-out loss to Crystal Palace on Sunday.
However, a fresh report claims that Slot has changed his mind on the situation regarding Federico Chiesa.
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The Italian was Liverpool's only signing in Slot's first season, joining from Juventus for an initial fee of £10 million plus £2.5 million in add-ons.
But Chiesa struggled with fitness and form, playing just six times in the Premier League - with his only start coming in a 3-2 defeat against Brighton after the title had already been clinched.
Talk of a return to Italy intensified, with both Napoli and Inter Milan heavily linked with Chiesa. Only last week, Paul Joyce of The Times claimed that Chiesa, an unused substitute against Palace, was still looking to leave after a single season on Merseyside.
However, La Gazzetta dello Sport say Liverpool do not wish to sell him, with Slot explaining the club's stance in a meeting with Chiesa and his agent Fali Ramadani also holding talks with Liverpool chiefs.
What Chiesa said about Liverpool situation
The report notes that although he wasn't with Liverpool for their pre-season tour of Asia, he was never made available for transfer as he is "needed by the club" after a reduction in forward players this summer following exits for Diaz and Nunez and the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
Despite a lack of minutes, Chiesa became a huge hit with Liverpool supporters who came up with a popular song in tribute and back in June he hinted at staying put.
“The year is over. But it’s an experience I would do again,” Chiesa said.
“Soon I will sit down at the table with the club, Fali (Ramadani, his agent) and my family to find the best solution.
“I wouldn’t mind staying in Liverpool at all.”
Josh Lawless