The bitterness between the boards of Liverpool and Arsenal have even seen 'anti-Gunners' clauses included in contracts of Reds players.

The Daily Express says the decision was driven by Liverpool sports director Michael Edwards.

Edwards is in regular contact with Mike Gordon. president of Fenway Sports Group who own the club, and has been crucial in signing the likes of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.

Edwards ensured Liverpool included an unusual 'anti-Arsenal' clause when they bought Firmino from Hoffenheim for £29m in 2015.

Edwards wrote in an £82.6million release clause which can be triggered by any club except the Gunners - in response to them infamously offering £40,000,001 for Luis Suarez while he was still a Liverpool player in 2013.

At the time, they believed the extra £1 would trigger a break clause in the Uruguayan's contract.