Report: Player with £71m release clause knows Liverpool want to sign him, he is good friends with Chiesa

Today at 11:45 AM

Liverpool are exceeding expectations under Arne Slot this season.

Many expected the Dutchman to require at least half a season to get his ideas across when taking on the tough task of replacing Jurgen Klopp – given how engrained the German’s methods were on Liverpool.

However, the 46-year-old looks like he’s been managing the Reds for years, overseeing nine wins and a draw from 11 Premier League outings so far, as well as four wins from four in the UEFA Champions League.

Liverpool also have a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash against Southampton to look forward to.

Despite Arne Slot watching his Liverpool side score 21 goals in 11 Premier League games so far this season, there remains a desire to sign Marcus Thuram.

Liverpool want Marcus Thuram, and the Inter Milan No.9 knows it

A story from Gazzetta dello Sport now states that Liverpool are huge admirers of the France international, and are keen to bring him to Anfield.

The Italian news outlet claim that Liverpool wanted to sign Thuram while Klopp was at the helm, and the interest remains despite Slot now holding the reins.

Gazzetta dello Sport add that the Frenchman himself knows Liverpool want to sign him, and mention he already has a close friend on Merseyside in Federico Chiesa – who could help him settle in at Anfield.

Thuram – who Arsenal also admire – has enjoyed an impressive season so far, netting seven goals while also providing five assists in 12 Serie A appearances.

Interestingly, Gazzetta dello Sport add that the 27-year-old has a release clause worth €85m (£71m) written into his contract at the San Siro, which expires in July 2028.

Penny for the thoughts of Darwin Nunez

If what Gazzetta dello Sport are claiming is true, it will be interesting to see how it impacts on Darwin Nunez.

Slot didn’t seem to fancy the Uruguay international at the start of the season, preferring to start Diogo Jota, although an injury to the Portugal international opened the door to the South American.

The Liverpool No.9 has since impressed with two goals and one assist in his last five appearances across all competitions, with Slot praising Nunez for his excellent strike in the 3-0 win over Bournemouth too.

However, if Thuram arrives to add further competition for a starting role, the Uruguayan could well be phased out – in our view at least.