Liverpool exits Q&A as Federico Chiesa sale moves closer and Andy Robertson update issued

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Liverpool have been especially busy during the early weeks of the summer transfer window.

The Reds have not wasted any time in bringing new signings through the door, with Florian Wirtz’s addition marking them out as the biggest spenders by some distance.

After such an outlay, however, Liverpool are now ready to make some of that money back. The Reds are under no pressure to make sales, but often aim to recoup what they’ve spent by getting a few players off the books. This year is unlikely to be different.

So, as the Liverpool owners prepare to see their profits returned, we asked journalist and transfer expert Graeme Bailey to give Rousing The Kop the lowdown on the status of four pending Anfield exits.

Where is Federico Chiesa going?

After a season spent largely on the bench at Liverpool, Federico Chiesa looks entirely likely to jump ship this summer.

And according to Bailey, the Italian has a number of clubs chasing him to come back to Serie A.

“Chiesa is going to move and Liverpool would rather sell,” he says. “There has been contact from Napoli, Juventus, AC Milan and I’m told even Como have been in touch. He’s going to have his pick of clubs really but it looks like he will be going.”

Is a loan move for Chiesa possible?

Given Liverpool only signed him one year ago, there is disappointment from fans that it has not worked out for Chiesa.

Should the 27-year-old head back to Italy on loan, that could preserve the chance for him to have a future with the Reds. However, according to Bailey, Liverpool will not make it difficult for a permanent sale to be completed.

“I don’t think it will be a loan unless it comes with an obligation to buy, and Liverpool will not demand an awful lot, they won’t slap a huge price tag on him,” he says.

“He might have to take a wage cut but it is very likely he heads back to Italy with a view to challenging for a place in the World Cup squad.”

READ MORE: Milos Kerkez reveals what Dominik Szoboszlai really told him about joining Liverpool

Are Napoli close to signing Darwin Nunez?

Another player who could be heading for Italy is Darwin Nunez. Nunez has been strongly linked to Napoli, with the Serie A champions expected to make an offer for him.

However, Bailey says the Saudi Pro League sides should not be counted out of the equation just yet.

“At the moment Napoli are pushing strongest, but the Saudis will be coming,” says the reporter.

“Liverpool would rather sell him to Saudi just in terms of the money they would get. The problem with Nunez is that he was a very expensive signing and he’s on very good money. I don’t think it’s very easy for Napoli to do it. There’s interest elsewhere in Europe, Atletico were linked and there’s other teams in Italy.”

What do Liverpool want for Nunez?

While Nunez’s exit now feels inevitable, Liverpool will not be letting the Uruguayan go for nothing.

Asked how much it would take for Napoli, or anyone else, to get Nunez this summer, Bailey says Liverpool may deal at around £60m.

“Although Liverpool want him out, they’re not going to accept a small fee for him,” he says. “I think they’d like to cover £60m and whether the Italian clubs will go that far, I’m not convinced. It’s still up in the air, but there’s no panic at Liverpool and they are working on the proviso that he’s going.”

Is Harvey Elliott close to leaving?

As well as Chiesa and Nunez, Harvey Elliott is rumoured to be another player from Liverpool’s forward options set to be on the chopping block.

Elliott has been excellent at the ongoing U21 European Championships, leading to suggestions the Reds should rethink putting him on the market.

READ MORE: Florian Wirtz explains how Xabi Alonso reacted after hearing he was joining Liverpool

And according to Bailey, while Elliott does have potential to leave this summer, it is by no means a given that he will.

“It’ll be a big fee to get Elliott out,” he says. “There is interest from Brighton but I’m told it is not as firm as has been suggested in some parts.

“I don’t think £40m will be enough to get him. A loan is possible but it’s very risky loaning players. Liverpool are also not desperate to get him out of the door, they know what a talent he is.”

Could Andy Robertson still leave?

Finally, after rumours reached fever pitch several weeks ago, talk of Andy Robertson leaving Liverpool for Atletico Madrid has gone very quiet.

Asked whether this means a transfer is now off the cards, though, Bailey says Robertson’s future is not sorted just yet.

“The clubs are waiting for Robertson to make his decision, he has been keen on it and the offer is there,” says the journalist. “It is very much still a possibility that Robertson leaves. Atletico’s interest hasn’t gone and talks are still ongoing.”

What fee could Liverpool get for Robertson?

With one year left on his contract and now not an undisputed starter, Robertson would surely not be a big-money sale for Liverpool this summer.

There have even been suggestions that the Scotland captain’s camp have been looking for a free transfer out of Anfield, but according to Bailey this is not going to happen.

“It isn’t a massively easy deal for Atletico to do as he is on very good wages at Liverpool,” he points out. “For other clubs buying from the Premier League it isn’t always that easy.

“In an ideal world they would like him on a free transfer but that isn’t likely. I think he would be available for a reasonable amount, definitely less than £10m, so Liverpool feel they are doing their side of it.”