Liverpool attacker Roberto Firmino has announced his desire to remain on the books at Anfield amid speculation surrounding a move to Juventus.
The Brazil international has entered the final year of his deal with Jurgen Klopp's side, who are at risk of losing him on a free transfer in 2023 as things stand.
There has been talk of Liverpool potentially offering Firmino the chance to extend his stay on the red half of Merseyside, but he is yet to pen fresh terms at Anfield.
With Firmino able to enter pre-contract talks with foreign clubs from January, Juventus have apparently identified the 30-year-old as an ideal summer target.
The Old Lady are being frustrated in their efforts to sign Atletico Madrid's Alvaro Morata permanently, and Italian media reported that a deal to sign Firmino was "very close".
However, the former Hoffenheim man has emphatically ruled out a summer departure from Liverpool, telling TNT Sports: "I love this team, city and fans. I'm here at Liverpool and I want to stay," as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.
Transfer expert Romano adds that Juventus have never made contact over a deal for Firmino, either through agents or touching base with Liverpool directly.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp selected Firmino to start over Darwin Nunez for the Community Shield win over Manchester City, although he only lasted 59 minutes at the King Power Stadium.
Nunez grabbed the headlines with Liverpool's third and final goal on the day, but Klopp still talked up the importance of Firmino's role in the team during his pre-game press conference.
"Bobby is crucial for us. Bobby is [the] heart and soul of this team. The way we played in the last few years was only possible because of Bobby," Klopp told reporters.
"That's why I'm really happy he could train the majority of the time here in the pre-season so far and everything looks really good.
"I am absolutely fine and, for me, there's no doubt about his quality. All the rest, we will see how this year goes, but yes, he is essential for us."
Firmino has now been on the books at Liverpool for seven years, during which time he has registered 98 goals and 74 assists in 327 appearances across all competitions.
The South American struggled with injuries during the 2021-22 campaign, but he still managed 11 goals and five assists from 36 matches.
Firmino only started 10 Premier League games, though, and Liverpool have reportedly identified Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez as an ideal replacement for the 30-year-old should he depart in the near future. body check tags ::
