Saka has already sent clear £71m message to Liverpool after refusing ‘swap’

Bukayo Saka has previously expressed his admiration for Liverpool transfer target Marcus Thuram.

Arne Slot's side are reportedly eyeing a move for the Inter Milan striker in the January transfer window. The Merseysiders have hardly missed any goals this season, but their only arrivals in the summer were goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvilli from Valencia – who won't arrive until next year – and Federico Chiesa from Juventus.

Meanwhile, Thuram has started the season strongly with an Inter side that has been impressive in the Champions League, having recently beaten the Gunners 1-0. Reports from Italy suggest Liverpool are interested in the France international and believe the fact they have his rumored best friend Chiesa in their ranks could lure him to Anfield. Italian sports newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport have reported that Liverpool are monitoring Thuram and could be looking to bring him on board in January.

Thuram has scored eight goals and provided five assists for Inter this season and is believed to have an €85 million release clause in his contract. Last season he contributed 29 goals to help Inter win the Serie A title and move 19 points clear of rivals AC Milan.

Their win against the Gunners was another strong statement from Simone Inzaghi's side, and should Thuram arrive at Anfield, Saka is likely to have even more concerns for the Reds.

Saka, who captained the Gunners in their defeat in Milan, has previously admitted he hugely admires Thuram.

He named Liverpool goalkeeper Thuram as a player he would like to see at the Emirates if given the chance to sign the French striker. However, he still wouldn't trade Thuram for any of his teammates.

In a recent interview he said: “If I were to get a player from Inter Milan now, I could get a lot of them. There are a lot of quality players.

“I like it [Nicolo] Barella, he is a top midfielder and also the two attackers [Marcus] Thuram and [Lautaro] Martinez. They are good too, but at the same time I am happy with my teammates and I certainly wouldn't trade any of them.”

Liverpool are currently enjoying a dream campaign as they have clawed their way to the top of the Premier League and Champions League. Slot will take his top team to the south coast to play Southampton on Sunday (2 p.m.). They then return to Anfield next Wednesday to host Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Meanwhile, Saka's side are clinging by their fingernails to a place in the top four, after being nine points behind Liverpool and two points behind the top eight in the Champions League.

Mikel Arteta's team has a difficult return after the international break. They host surprise package Nottingham Forest this season before taking on Sporting CP, who will feature in their first Champions League match since losing former boss Ruben Amorim to Manchester United.