Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp's recent comments on Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli would mark "bad business" for the Reds if they did want to sign the Brazilian after his recent fine form.
The 20-year-old is one of many promising attacking talents currently donning the red of Arsenal; Martinelli put in yet another impressive shift during the recent meeting between the two sides in north London.
Klopp's side ran out eventual 2-0 winners both on the night and on aggregate over the course of the two-legs for the Carabao Cup semi-final against the Gunners, but Martinelli caught the German's eye even though he was on the losing side.
The Liverpool boss used the defensive display of right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold as a way to transition into heaping praise on Martinelli, claiming: "I thought he did outstandingly well defensively last night. Little Martinelli, we will talk about this player in the future, I can promise.
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"If he is without major injuries he will have a proper career, so it’s really good what Trent did there against him.
"He kept him busy defensively, and where he showed up, the package of Trent is insane."
Klopp went on to wax lyrical over the Brazilian completely unprompted in the immediate aftermath of Thursday night's victory at the Emirates.
"Martinelli by the way...everybody should remember that name," he insisted. "Outstanding player."
For all of the Arsenal star's ability, Liverpool already boast a star-studded attack that contains the likes of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane.
Ex-England international Danny Mills feels that Martinelli is currently not ready to cement a place in the Liverpool first-team.
The former Premier League star was pressed on whether there is any weight behind the rumours linking the 20-year-old with a switch to Anfield.
"Unlikely," Mills told Football Insider. "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."
Mills went on to suggest that the Arsenal youngster needs to deliver on a more regular basis if he is to prove he is of the required level for Klopp's side.
"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."
This season has seen Martinelli regain his place in the Arsenal side after the former Manchester United trialist took some time to return to match-fitness after a lengthy knee injury scuppered his development at a crucial stage.
