Former Manchester City full-back Danny Mills has claimed that Jurgen Klopp's praise for Gabriel Martinelli is "bad business" if the German manager wants to sign the youngster.
Klopp highlighted the Brazilian unprompted after the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg tie at the Emirates Stadium, claiming he will be one that will be talked about in the future.
"Little Martinelli, we will talk about this player in the future – I can promise", Klopp said.
“Without injuries, major injuries, Martinelli will have a proper career."
The 20-year-old has already begun to show sparks of his potential this season, scoring four goals and assisting twice in a spell of Premier League games after struggling with injuries at the start of the season.
Klopp's unprompted praise for the winger has since brought about transfer speculation, with the Reds already linked with Gunners academy star Bukayo Saka.
Saka is another who has shone at the Emirates this season, going from strength to strength, and with Liverpool in need of a refresh in years to come up front, they have been linked with a number of players.
However, in light of his recent comments, Mills believes that Klopp's comments means a transfer attempt from Liverpool is "unlikely".
Speaking to Football Insider, the former full-back said: "Klopp wouldn’t come out and say it unprompted otherwise. That’s bad business.
"If Arsenal know they really want someone they will put the price up. To come out and mention it in the press…
"Look at all the other players that play in that position for Liverpool, they probably know they need to get the Mo Salah deal done.
"Martinelli has done well but it’s been in fits and starts. There’s a lot of potential there but he hasn’t done it consistently. I don’t see him going to Liverpool, certainly not in the next couple of seasons."
Gunners fans will certainly be hoping that Mills' comments ring true and that he can continue the sort of form he has had so far this season.
There will also be the hope that Klopp's comments come to fruition too, with the German having coached some of the best with a keen eye for top talent.
