Gunners barred from signing Firmino

FEUD: Liverpool still bitter over Arsenal’s attempt to lure Suarez

ANY club but Arsenal can trigger Roberto Firmino’s alleged £82 million (RM465 million) release clause at Liverpool, according to the Football Leaks website.

The forward has been a standout performer for Jurgen Klopp this season with six goals as the Reds sit third in the Premier League.

There will be admirers of the Brazilian in future transfer windows but Football Leaks claimed that Arsenal are prohibited from signing him. Liverpool do not comment on issues of a legal nature.

That claim boils down to the acrimonious saga between the two clubs in 2013 when Arsene Wenger attempted to lure Luis Suarez away from Anfield.

Liverpool bosses were left angered at Arsenal’s offer of £40 million plus £1 in the belief that would activate Suarez’s release clause.

Owner John Henry tweeted at the time: ‘What do you think they’re smoking over there at the Emirates?’

The report, published in Le Soir, indicates an ongoing distaste at the way Arsenal’s interest in the Uruguayan was handled.

Suarez would go onto leave for Barcelona a year later for £75 million and has since scored more than a goal every other game, with Liverpool then reinvesting that money.

Firmino cost £29 million from Hoffenheim last year and has proven a big hit under Klopp, particularly his link-up with the now injured Philippe Coutinho.

Sportsmail’s Jamie Carragher said on Monday night that there is nobody better at harrying defenders in England. Statistics show he covers more ground than any other top striker in the division.

“Roberto Firmino is as good as anyone in the Premier League at winning the ball back and closing people down,” he told Sky Sports. “He is a massive part of this Liverpool team.”