Arsenal have the chance to sign a "world-class" striker on a free transfer, Liverpool are also interested

Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked with a January move for France international striker Marcus Thuram.

Thuram, the son of legendary French defender Lilian Thuram, is out of contract with Bundesliga club Borussia Monchengladbach next summer.

The 25-year-old has attracted attention from the Premier League after scoring 13 goals in 17 appearances in all competitions this season.

That form earned him a late call up to France's 26-man squad for the ongoing World Cup in Qatar.

Liverpool and Arsenal linked with Thuram

According to 90min, both Arsenal and Liverpool are monitoring the French striker, who was described as "world-class" by Wolfsburg sporting director Marcel Schafer earlier this year.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says Thuram "could be an opportunity" for both sides, with just over six months remaining on his current deal with Monchengladbach.

"Yes, Thuram could be an opportunity because he's a player who will be available on a free next summer," Romano told GiveMeSport.

"He is not extending his contract and so there are many clubs interested in him from Italy, from England and from France."

Monchengladbach are prepared to sell

90min claim that Monchengladbach are prepared to sell Thuram in January rather than risking him leaving on a free in the summer.

Last year, they opted to sell Dennis Zakaria to Juventus in similar circumstances, with the midfielder nearing the end of his deal with the German club.

Thuram was a late substitute in France's World Cup opener against Australia (Image: Alamy)

Speaking about the January transfer window in general, Monchengladbach sporting director Roland Virkus suggested there could be squad changes in January.

"There may be changes in winter, but it may also be the case that there aren't any," he said.

"Of course we're in talks with the players. I can't tell you right now whether these players will still play here after the winter or in the coming season.”

Thuram, meanwhile, was a late substitute in France's World Cup opener against Australia on Tuesday.

Olivier Giroud scored twice as the defending champions came from behind to win 4-1.

Topics: Liverpool, Manchester United, Borussia Monchengladbach, Premier League, Football, Bundesliga, Transfers, France

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan