There has been a double update on possible Liverpool departures
The futures of both Federico Chiesa and Joe Gomez are under scrutiny as Liverpool make major changes to their squad ahead of defending their Premier League title next season.
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Liverpool have already been active in the transfer market, with Jeremie Frimpong joining from Bayer Leverkusen for €35 million as a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has gone to Real Madrid. The club made a good deal by getting €10 million for Alexander-Arnold despite the fact that his contract was about to expire, as they let him leave for Madrid early for the Club World Cup.
Liverpool have also sold reserve goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher to Brentford for £18 million (€21.4 million). This is due to the imminent arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili, who was signed last summer before being loaned back to Valencia for the season.
Chiesa close to transfer to AC Milan
Liverpool are currently in tough negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen for Florian Wirtz. Two bids have already been rejected, and owners FSG have reportedly given the green light for a third record bid.
This is likely to see Liverpool’s transfer record shattered, meaning at least one or two players will need to be sold to balance the accounts.
Federico Chiesa is one of the players who could disappear. He only joined Anfield last summer, but is already under pressure after only 14 games in his debut season.
According to Italian journalist Sebastiano Sarno, Chiesa has “reached a verbal agreement” with AC Milan “in recent days”. Milan are now in talks with Liverpool and hope to complete the transfer “at a reasonable price”.
Chiesa has long been linked with a return to Serie A, especially after it became clear that he would not be a regular fixture at Liverpool. Napoli are also interested, but Milan seem to have better cards in hand.
Liverpool originally paid £10 million plus 2.5 million in bonuses to Juventus for Chiesa. In April, it was reported that they wanted 25-30 million euros for him, but this has not been confirmed.
On Tuesday, Chiesa stated to Gazzetta dello Sport that he “still loves” Juve and would like a return. But he risks infuriating Juve fans by choosing rivals Milan instead.
Despite a disappointing eighth place finish in Serie A, Milan remains one of the world’s most prestigious clubs with seven Champions League titles. This gives them the opportunity to attract players like Chiesa – and even Real Madrid legend Luka Modric.
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Joe Gomez on his way out?
According to Empire of the Kop, Joe Gomez could also leave Liverpool this summer. FSG are “open to letting the 28-year-old defender go” and have set a price of €30 million. The club will “not stand in the way” if Gomez wants to secure more playing time elsewhere.
“At least eight Premier League clubs are keeping a close eye on Gomez”, including Aston Villa, Newcastle, Everton, Bournemouth, West Ham and newly promoted Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland. These clubs think they can sign him for less than Liverpool’s asking price.
Gomez has been a useful piece for Liverpool with his ability to play in all defensive positions. But he has never been able to establish himself as a permanent fixture due to competition from players like Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté.
Luis
Díaz, Kostas Tsimikas, Darwin Núñez and Harvey Elliott are among the players who could also leave Anfield this summer. Both Díaz and Núñez are wanted by Saudi Arabian clubs, which could bring in significant sums of money at Arne Slot’s disposal.
