The future of Federico Chiesa has once again become the subject of intense speculation as the Italian winger edges closer to an exit from Liverpool FC. After struggling to secure regular minutes at Anfield, the 26-year-old is now reportedly eyeing a return to his homeland — with AC Milan and Napoli emerging as the front-runners for his signature.
While Chiesa’s desire to return to Serie A presents a golden opportunity for Italian clubs, AC Milan’s pursuit has encountered a significant hurdle. The main stumbling block? Chiesa’s high salary demands, which could derail Rossoneri’s hopes of landing the dynamic forward.
Chiesa Ready for a Return to Italy After Frustrating Spell at Anfield
Chiesa’s move to Liverpool was initially met with excitement from fans and pundits alike, but the reality has been far from ideal. Injury setbacks and intense competition for places under Liverpool’s rotational system meant that Chiesa was limited to just six Premier League appearances during the 2024/25 season.
Such a lack of consistent playing time has reportedly left the player disillusioned. Now, he’s eager to reignite his career in Serie A, where he previously shone with Fiorentina and Juventus. A return to Italy not only offers him familiarity but also the chance to play a more prominent role on the pitch — a prospect both Milan and Napoli are prepared to offer.
AC Milan Admire Chiesa — But the Salary Demands Raise Red Flags
Among the suitors, AC Milan’s interest in Chiesa is genuine and longstanding. Club officials are said to be admirers of his technical prowess, versatility, and experience at both club and international level. Chiesa could offer Milan a significant upgrade on the wings — an area that lacked consistent output during the last campaign.
However, according to a report from TuttoMercatoWeb (TMW), Milan’s negotiations are stalling due to Chiesa’s hefty wage demands. While at Juventus, the winger reportedly earned €7.5 million per year, and he’s seeking similar figures in any new deal.
For AC Milan, agreeing to those terms poses a serious financial dilemma. The Rossoneri operate under a more balanced wage structure and are cautious about disrupting their financial model, especially with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations still looming large.
Milan Explore Creative Alternatives to Make Chiesa Transfer Work
Despite the impasse, AC Milan are not prepared to walk away from the negotiation table just yet. The club is now reportedly exploring alternative strategies to accommodate Chiesa’s demands without compromising their wage budget.
One possibility includes offering a performance-based contract structure, which would include lucrative bonuses tied to appearances, goals, assists, and team achievements — a move that would lower the base salary while still rewarding high performance.
Another potential route involves spreading Chiesa’s salary over a longer contract duration, allowing the club to balance the financial commitment over time.
Additionally, Milan may look to fund the deal through outgoing transfers. Offloading fringe players or those no longer in the club’s long-term plans could generate both the cash and wage space needed to push the Chiesa deal over the line.
Napoli Remain a Threat in the Race for Chiesa
While Milan work behind the scenes to restructure the deal, Napoli are also monitoring the situation closely. The Partenopei are expected to undergo changes under their new head coach and may view Chiesa as a potential marquee signing to spark a revival after a disappointing 2024/25 season.
Given Napoli’s recent tradition of investing in attacking talent and their strong financial backing, they could prove to be serious contenders — especially if they’re willing to meet Chiesa’s salary expectations more readily than Milan.
What’s Next for Chiesa? A Decision Looms
With the summer transfer window heating up, Chiesa will soon have to weigh his options. A return to Italy seems inevitable — but whether it’s in the red and black of Milan or the sky blue of Napoli remains to be seen.
AC Milan fans will be hoping that club management can work out a creative solution, as Chiesa’s arrival would mark a statement signing and bolster their squad ahead of the 2025/26 season. But unless a compromise on salary is reached, this high-profile transfer might just slip through their fingers.
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