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.