Federico Chiesa could sting Liverpool if he takes awkward ‘exit route’

Premier League Championship Scottish Premiership European Teams Federico Chiesa could hurt Liverpool on his way out as awkward ‘exit route’ emergesFederico Chiesa is expected to leave Liverpool after collecting dust on the bench last season. Federico Chiesa has emerged as a transfer target for Atletico Madrid (Image: Getty)Federico Chiesa could block Liverpool from making an important sale this summer if he heads to one of his newest suitors. The Reds have been ruthless and efficient in the early stages of the transfer window, and their wave of new signings will need to be offset by auctioning off those surplus to requirements.One year on from his £12.5million arrival, Chiesa certainly falls into that category. Of every Liverpool player who made a Premier League appearance last term, only third-choice goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros and teenager Jayden Danns played fewer minutes than the Italian international. And that is worrying for Anfield bosses, given that he reportedly picks up a whopping £150,000 a week.As a result, Chiesa is expected to be shifted off the wage bill this summer. Spanish newspaper AS claim that Atletico Madrid have emerged as a possible destination for the 27-year-old, who managing director Carlos Bucero has taken a liking to.While Liverpool bosses would surely jump at the chance to offload Chiesa, a deeper dive into the situation suggests that they could shoot themselves in the foot if it hurts their chances of selling Darwin Nunez.At 25 years old, and having joined Liverpool for an £85m fee three years ago, Nunez is Liverpool’s big ticket item in the current transfer window. And Atletico have been linked with a move for the Uruguayan.Liverpool are hoping to sell Darwin Nunez this summer (Image: Getty)Los Colchoneros need a replacement for Angel Correa, who is leaving the Spanish capital, and Nunez is believed to be one of the players in the frame. But if Atleti remedy their attacking shortage by signing Chiesa, who can play as a second striker as well as a winger, Liverpool may have lost themselves a willing buyer for their out-of-favour centre-forward.Nunez only started eight Premier League games last campaign, scoring five goals and laying on two assists. The prospects of him fighting his way into Arne Slot’s starting line-up do not appear to be improving, with Liverpool rumoured to be chasing Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. Invalid emailWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy PolicyThankfully for the Reds, not all of their eggs are in Atletico’s basket, as The Guardian have reported that Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal is another potential landing spot for Nunez.The prospective sales of Chiesa and Nunez could be used to part-fund a lucrative deal for Florian Wirtz. Liverpool are understood to have submitted two bids to Bayer Leverkusen, with the second made up of a £109.6m package, but both have been rejected.