Bukayo Saka has sent clear message to Liverpool about £71m transfer after rejecting 'swap'

Bukayo Saka previously voiced his admiration for transfer target - but won't swap him for any of his team-mates.

Arne Slot's Reds are reportedly considering a move for the forward in the January transfer window. Despite their impressive goal tally this season, Liverpool's only new summer signings were goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvilli from Valencia – who won't join until next year – and Federico Chiesa from Juventus.

Meanwhile, Thuram has kicked off the season on a high note with an Inter side that has also been impressive in the Champions League, recently . Reports from Italy claim Liverpool are interested in the French international and believe having his best friend, Chiesa, in the team could persuade him to make the move to Anfield.

Italian sports newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that Liverpool have been monitoring Thuram with the aim of signing him in January. Thuram has scored eight goals and provided five assists for Inter this season, and is believed to have a release clause of €85million (£71million) in his contract.

Last season, he had 29 goal involvements in all competitions, which helped Inter secure the Serie A title and finish a staggering 19 points ahead of rivals AC Milan in second. Their win against the Gunners was another strong statement by Simone Inzaghi's team, and if Thuram was to join Liverpool, Saka would likely be even more concerned about the Reds.

Saka, who wore the captain's armband for Arsenal in their loss in Milan, has not shied away from praising Thuram in the past. Saka highlighted the French international as a player he'd welcome at the Emirates Stadium if given the chance - but he would still not swap Thuram for any of his team-mates.

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The England star said recently: "If I was to take a player out of Inter Milan now, I could take a lot of them. There are a lot of quality players.

"I like [Nicolo] Barella, he's a top midfielder and also the two strikers [Marcus] Thuram and [Lautaro] Martinez. They're good as well, but at the same time I'm happy with my teammates and I wouldn't swap any of them, for sure."

Liverpool are currently enjoying an exceptional season which sees them lead both the Premier League and the Champions League standings. Slot will take his table-topping team to the south coast next to face Southampton on Sunday (2pm). They will then return to Anfield to host Real Madrid in the Champions League next Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are desperately clinging on to their place in the top four after a dismal run of form prior to the international break. Mikel Arteta's men will host fifth-placed Nottingham Forest before taking on Sporting CP in the Champions League, marking the Portuguese side’s first game in the competition since losing manager Ruben Amorim to Manchester United.