Liverpool have reportedly selected their ‘top’ target to replace Federico Chiesa and they are ‘ahead’ of Chelsea in the race to sign him
Liverpool Eye Malick Fofana as Summer Spending Spree Continues
Liverpool have already emerged as Europe’s biggest spenders this summer — and they’re not done yet.
With Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Armin Pecsi already through the door, the Reds are set to make it four key additions with Milos Kerkez. The Bournemouth full-back is expected to undergo a medical this week ahead of a £40m move, as reported by David Ornstein.
But the shopping list doesn’t stop there. A striker, a centre-back, and possibly a winger remain on the club’s radar, with names like Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi topping the shortlist. Meanwhile, ongoing uncertainty around several attackers is prompting further reinforcements out wide.
While Mohamed Salah was comfortably Liverpool’s most productive attacker during the 2024/25 campaign, both Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez continue to attract interest from European and Saudi clubs. Add Federico Chiesa to that list — and there’s likely to be a domino effect in the wide areas.
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Chiesa Out, Fofana In?
Chiesa joined Liverpool in a cut-price deal last season, but failed to make much of an impression under Arne Slot, rarely featuring in the starting XI. Now, multiple reports suggest the Italian has said “yes” to a move to Napoli, which would open the door for another young winger to take his place.
According to Sky Sport journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Malick Fofana has emerged as Liverpool’s top target to replace Chiesa. The 20-year-old Belgian winger currently plays for Lyon, and Liverpool are reportedly ahead of Chelsea in the race for his signature.
Barry Hunter, Liverpool’s head of recruitment, is said to be a big admirer of the young star, and the club are genuinely interested in bringing him to Anfield this summer.
Fofana is currently valued at €50 million, but Lyon are hoping to spark a bidding war that could push the price closer to €70 million. Whether Liverpool will meet that price remains to be seen — but they may not have the luxury of time.
With interest from across Europe growing, Liverpool may need to act quickly to avoid missing out.
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Diaz’s Future Could Hold the Key
Fofana’s arrival is viewed as a backup option to Luis Diaz, who, despite ongoing speculation, is now expected to remain at Anfield this summer.
Still, nothing is guaranteed in this transfer window, and the Reds may be positioning themselves smartly in case a major bid arrives for the Colombian forward.
Fofana’s versatility, raw talent, and age make him an attractive long-term investment — especially for a Liverpool side already undergoing a significant rebuild.
With five signings likely completed before July, FSG and Arne Slot are making their intentions clear: Liverpool aren’t just defending their Premier League crown — they’re reloading to dominate again.