Damien Comolli is key to Liverpool winning the race for Arsenal fullback Gael Clichy.
The Liverpool Daily Post says French international Clichy has just one year remaining on his contract at Arsenal, and is understood to have informed the Gunners that he has no plans to renew his deal in North London.
The 25-year-old is valued by manager Arsene Wenger at around £7m.
Italian sides Inter Milan and Roma have expressed an interest, but Liverpool would have the upper hand due to the presence of Comolli, the club's Director of Football. Comolli was integral to Clichy's move to Arsenal from French club Cannes in 2003, and the full-back is believed to be keen to secure a switch to Merseyside.
