Liverpool legend Steve McManaman thinks that Arsenal will never sell Bukayo Saka to Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp has previously spoken of his admiration for the Englishman and is said to be keen on adding more young, attacking talent to his squad.
The Transfer Window Podcast, via the Express, reported that Liverpool were interested in Saka last month and he, alongside his representatives, are keen on eventually negotiating a move.
Podcast co-host Ian McGarry said in December: "We have reported on The Transfer Window Podcast that Liverpool are looking to the future with regards to the fact that they expect to sell at least two of their attacking players.
"Saka is someone who is a player who suits Liverpool’s style. Liverpool would provide the opportunity and platform for him to play and compete at the highest level.
"And that would certainly be something that I’m told he and his representatives are very interested in."
But despite there reportedly being a strong interest, McManaman cannot see the move happening in the coming transfer windows.
Writing in his column for horseracing.net, via The Sport Review, McManaman said: “Bukayo Saka would be an amazing signing for Liverpool but I can’t possibly see Arsenal selling a key player to a domestic rival.
“I can’t envision that move happening. He’s one of Arsenal’s star men. I’ve seen a lot of Arsenal this season and Buyako excites me more than any other player in their side.
“Would I love Liverpool to get him? Definitely. He brings you something different. He attacks down the right, takes people on and gets to the byline. A bit different to Mo Salah, who likes to cut inside, Saka is more of a winger but a winger that likes to chip in with goals and Liverpool do need a winger like him.
“However, there’s no way on earth that Arsenal will let him go unless it’s a case of his contract running out. He’s such a young lad but still a leading figure in that Arsenal side and he’s improving every single year, so there would be riots if Arsenal let him join Liverpool.”
Mikel Arteta has previously made it clear that he is unfazed by reports linking Saka with a move away from the Emirates Stadium.
"I think that’s great news when you have a lot of talk and people that are willing for your players it’s really good," Arteta said in his pre-match press conference before the Gunners' 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup third round earlier this month.
"It means they should be proud because they are doing really good work."
Saka has a contract until 2024, but the club will want to negotiate a new one in due course, and like McManaman has said, they're unlikely to part ways with him willingly.
The two clubs meet in the semi-final second leg of the Carabao Cup tonight, with the aggregate score tied at 0-0 thanks to the Gunners' 10-men heroics at Anfield last week.
The winner will face Chelsea in the final at Wembley on February 27.
