Arsenal will lodge a £42.5million bid for Luis Suarez in the hope that the deal can be sealed before next weekend’s Emirates Cup campaign.

The offer rises from the £40m+£1 offer tabled before by Arsenal in the hope of triggering the Uruguayan’s release clause, however Arsene Wenger is endlessly unlikely to rise above £45million for the hitman.

With Liverpool holding out for £50million, it is likely that no deal will be struck until Wenger dishes out the extra funds, despite Suarez representatives pushing for a move away from Anfield.

Suarez wants to be playing Champions League football, a trait that Liverpool are unlikely to fulfil in the coming years, which is a fact that their star player knows all too well. This wanting for top European competition coupled with the fact that Suarez has openly criticised life in Liverpool all point towards the exit doors for the 26-year-old.

The new Torres

Yet Wenger is still unlikely to break or even equal the British transfer record Fernando Torres set when he moved from Liverpool to Chelsea for £50million. The Frenchman seems to be afraid of “the Torres effect” – a player failing to live up to their unbelievable price tag.

Arsenal would need some kind of public intent from Suarez, a verbal or written transfer request which would make Arsenal Suarez’ favoured destination.

Suarez silence

Yet Suarez has remained positively silent on the subject of recent weeks.

Suarez’s radio silence could put the brakes on Arsenal’s big bid, with Liverpool likely to keep their star man if he does not stake his intent to leave.

The whole saga could run cold – just as the Higuain deal did – with Arsenal either pulling out or being priced out. Either way the deal could break down and the Gunners are left with just Yaya Sanogo to show for their efforts in July.

If Liverpool do indeed rebuff the £42.5million deal – which they are likely to do – Wenger will come back with £45million. But don’t expect him to go any higher.

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