Arsenal are fighting to prevent highly-respected head of medical services Gary O'Driscoll from joining Liverpool.
Andrew Massey, the Reds' current head of medical services, is set to leave Anfield to take up a similar role at world football's governing body FIFA, a position he is due to take up from March 1.
The Premier League leaders have already begun the process of identifying candidates to replace Massey - and Sportsmail understands the Gunners' top doctor O'Driscoll is emerging as a leading contender for the soon-to-be vacant position.
O'Driscoll is widely recognised as being one of the best in his field and Arsenal are determined to keep him at the Emirates.
But the lure of joining the current Champions League holders and Premier League champions elect is understandably a tempting proposition for the doctor, who has been at Arsenal since 2009.
He has roots in the north-west having spent a period working in Manchester during the 2000s, so a move to Liverpool could suit.
O'Driscoll, who has held lead positions with the British Lions and Ireland rugby team, survived a cull of senior backroom staff following the departure of Arsene Wenger in 2018.
At the time, the manner in which some of their former colleagues were treated by Arsenal in the aftermath of Wenger's exit disappointed members of staff of who remain at the club to this day.
But the return of Mikel Arteta as manager has raised hope of a brighter future at the Emirates Stadium and there is hope the renewed optimism around the club can play a part in persuading O'Driscoll to remain in London.
ItodoJonathan
0
This is a smart move to join Liverpool,the current Europeans &Fifa World club Champions ,than a middle table team with no prospect to qualifying for the champion league next season ,Join the winner ,be a winner ,that is what football is about
I know you joined Liverpool because of glory, come on!!! it been 30 years since they won anything. I know you must be a united fan hiding behind keys.
ItodoJonathan
0
let him go. like the man is poor in his job.
he was the reason Santi left, he said he will never kick a ball again. he is the reason our players go for 5 months to 10 months injuries without proper treatment. I'm not blinded to see how our medical team has been so poor.
Gpobum
3
This is a smart move to join Liverpool,the current Europeans &Fifa World club Champions ,than a middle table team with no prospect to qualifying for the champion league next season ,Join the winner ,be a winner ,that is what football is about
U talk nonsense, just boos Arsenal are struggling now you call them a middle table team. Have you forgotten when Liverpool was also struggling? They struggled for years. Don’t forget that. Everyone has his or her own Good and Bad times, stop calling Arsenal a Middle table team.
Rakdmnuz
0
in exchange for mane ja
Ampasixty
0
let him go. like the man is poor in his job.
Talking talking.... how do you know that mate??
MrGooner79
0
Lol! They need a doctor for Ox the ass!
Tund3Moore
2
This should be a swap deal, Mane/Alexander-Arnold for O'Driscoll
ItodoJonathan
1
let him go. like the man is poor in his job.
Prajwalll
0
arsenal need very good fitness coach i think...
Mocmnop
0
A winner? Of what injuries?
Himalayan_gooner
0
But he could come and take care of winners not no hope’ers like the gooners
and liverpool fans and arsenal fans always have respect to each other, mind it. behave mate. maye be you are new, enjoy !!
Himalayan_gooner
0
But he could come and take care of winners not no hope’ers like the gooners
behave mate, do not forget past years liverpool were in the same situation like us today. remember "better late than never". table can be turn in any time any day. cheers but I respect liverpool fans. no hadfeelings blud.
vuzmrst
0
he can go, useless doctor
Hunanruy
0
shut up loserfoool... soon you will never win again.. my age almost same year when you talk like 30 year no tittle epl.. we just give pity of your face to win this year
tell your grandpa grandpa and grandpa if Arsenal have CL ?
Hunanruy
0
Now you can come out and talk, your team has been dead for years kudos to Mr klop that brings your team up [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
you too , Mr Wenger bring your team up , But Klopp still with us and where Wenger ?
Wawabimn
4
This is a smart move to join Liverpool,the current Europeans &Fifa World club Champions ,than a middle table team with no prospect to qualifying for the champion league next season ,Join the winner ,be a winner ,that is what football is about
Maymnosuz
0
But he could come and take care of winners not no hope’ers like the gooners
shut up loserfoool... soon you will never win again.. my age almost same year when you talk like 30 year no tittle epl.. we just give pity of your face to win this year
chango25
0
But he could come and take care of winners not no hope’ers like the gooners
30 good years with out premier league is talking trush damn.
HAZANDOMINIC
0
But he could come and take care of winners not no hope’ers like the gooners
such a dumb human being
rombammy24
0
But he could come and take care of winners not no hope’ers like the gooners
Now you can come out and talk, your team has been dead for years kudos to Mr klop that brings your team up [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
febakly
1
Can he play as a central defender? Liverpool is gravely short in that position.
jndaka
1
in exchange of mane
MonmoArsenal
0
why do Liverpool has no sympathy for Arsenal now? go and look for another Doctor and leave ours for us.
is so worrisome how they are eyeing the small things that we still have in our club.
TomasRoserke
0
why do Liverpool has no sympathy for Arsenal now? go and look for another Doctor and leave ours for us.
haha bro tel them man
Kofimarie
0
Bring Matip for him[byebye]
Ceeklnrt
1
But he could come and take care of winners not no hope’ers like the gooners
Josakrsuy
2
so supposedly we have some of the best medical staff in England yet we have so many problems with injuries
FaithEvans
6
Who wrote this article trying to make trophies a reason why doctors would change teams? it can't get any more ridiculous, are you kidding me?... Pay him more and he leaves, if Derby County pays him more and it's in the best interest of his family, he leaves... talking about trophies shows that whoever wrote that is disconnected from reality, what do u take doctors for? [Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
MonmoArsenal
3
why do Liverpool has no sympathy for Arsenal now? go and look for another Doctor and leave ours for us.
LloryJones
1
lmao[Crylaugh]
_qasim_
0
He won’t leave. Doctors don’t break hearts, they repair them.
Underrated comment 🤣🤣
Joseph867
8
He won’t leave. Doctors don’t break hearts, they repair them.