Liverpool 'targeting €85m forward' to become first major signing of Arne Slot era as release clause confirmed

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing a forward that could cost a huge fee of €85 million in what would be Arne Slot's first major signing.

Dutchman Slot was chosen as Liverpool's new head coach after Jurgen Klopp left the club in the summer on the back of nearly nine trophy-laden years.

Since taking over, Slot has managed to build on the solid foundations laid down by Klopp and his team.

Currently, Liverpool are top of the Premier League and the Champions League heading into the busy December period.

With the transfer window coming up, it has been claimed that Liverpool have shown interest in Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram.

As reported by Italian news outlet Calcio Mercato, the Reds are keeping a keen eye on the 27-year-old and could try and lure the Frenchman to Anfield.

It has been suggested that Thuram has a release clause of €85 million and that Liverpool could offer a higher salary than his current €6 million per season to persuade him to move to Merseyside.

The report also stated that Thuram is willing to extend his stay at Inter unless they force him out of the door.

However, it is rare that Liverpool spend such a big fee on someone aged 27 or over so it remains to be seen whether anything more will develop from this.

Speaking recently after France's 3-1 win over Italy at the San Siro, Thuram declared his love for the iconic stadium.

He said: "I love this stadium, I love San Siro. The game against Italy was strange for me. I played against my brothers, which was very strange, but I love all of them, and I was happy to cross paths with them."

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Who is Marcus Thuram?

Marcus Thuram was born in Parma, Italy and is the son of former Juventus and Barcelona star Lilian Thuram.

After spending his youth career at Sochaux, Thuram made his first senior appearance for Sochaux II before making it to the first team.

The striker then moved to Guingamp in 2017 before transferring to German side Borussia Monchengladbach in 2019.

After making a name for himself in the Bundesliga, Thuram signed for Inter in 2023 on a free.

In total, the French international has scored 91 goals in 348 club appearances across all competitions.