Arne Slot said he is ‘excited’ to work with Federico Chiesa after the forward completed his move to Liverpool.
Liverpool have signed Chiesa from Juventus in a cut-price £10.9m deal, after the Italy international was told he does not feature in the Serie A side’s plans.
The 26-year-old arrives with a fine reputation having scored 10 goals in 37 appearances for Juventus last season, while he was named in the Team of the Tournament as Italy won the European Championship in 2021.
Capable of operating across the forward line and boasting industry and pace, Slot believes Chiesa can add real value to his squad.
“Excited. If we sign someone that can help us achieving our goals and improve our squad. If we then find someone we are of course really excited,” Slot said at his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Manchester United this weekend.
“One of the best things about working here is the culture of the team, they work really hard to achieve goals.
“It is really important that the first player you bring in has the same attitude and brings the same culture.
“He works really hard on and off the pitch and combines this with scoring goals.”
Chiesa ‘unlikely’ to debut against Manchester United
Slot has confirmed that Chiesa is available to face Manchester United in the Premier League this weekend, though suggested the Italian is unlikely to feature due to his lack of training with the squad.
“He is going to train with us today, but there is a bigger chance that he’s not in the squad for Sunday than he is. If injuries might come up, we might need him.
“I don’t expect him to be in, but I can not guarantee.”
Slot refuses to rule out late Liverpool transfers
Chiesa has become the first signing of Slot’s reign as Liverpool manager, though the Reds have also agreed a deal to sign Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who will link up with the side in 2025.
Slot is not expecting further business before the 11pm deadline for Premier League clubs on Friday August 30, but said Liverpool are prepared to act late in the transfer window if opportunities arise.
“I’m not expecting anything, but again it’s not different than all the days before – if we see an opportunity we could act.”
