Suarez transfer bid to remain at £40million as debate over contract clause continues

• Posted on July 30, 2013July 30, 2013
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

Arsene Wenger is determined not to raise Arsenal’s £40m bid for Luis Suarez – even if it means the transfer going to the wire.

The whole deal hinges on the £40m clause in Suarez’s contract with the Uruguayan’s advisers adamant that it allows him to leave Liverpool.

Suarez is keen on Arsenal and wants to speak to them about a potential transfer but it is believed he still harbours hopes that Real Madrid will come in despite their declaration that they are not interested.

Arsenal have been made aware of the clause and the deal is now at standstill – and it could go right to the end of the transfer window with the two clubs set for a major squabble.

Liverpool are adamant that they will not sell to Arsenal and the clause only means they are obliged to inform Suarez that an offer has been made.

But Arsenal have been in a similar position before when Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie wanted out and they were eventually sold because they found it difficult to keep an unhappy player.

The next move could be determined by whether Suarez kicks up, asks for a transfer and makes it impossible for Liverpool to keep him.

Arsenal will see how it plays out and therefore until the clause is sorted out one way or another there is little chance of them making a raised bid.

The only scope in the future for a change in the offer is an improvement in the success related bonuses they are prepared to pay, but that is an issue further down the line.

Suarez’s advisers have already sought legal advice and may take the matter to the Premier League for arbitration as they believe Arsenal have now activated the clause.

Arsenal are clearly waiting on Suarez on their existing transfer target but, as Wenger told Mirror Sport in Japan last week, they are not close to striking a deal.

There could be some outgoings with Malaga back in for Nicklas Bendtner but his £52,000-a-week wages are still a stumbling block.

Crystal Palace boss Ian Holloway would also have to pay almost all of Marouane Chamakh’s £60,000-a-week wages with Arsenal keen to get him off the wage bill but reluctant to subsidise any loan or permanent transfer too much.

http://www.mirror.co.uk