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Liverpool owner John W. Henry has said that want-away forward Luis Suarez will not be sold, especially not to Arsenal. The American has clearly vocalized the club’s intentions of keeping the Uruguayan in hopes of putting to bed any speculation about the player’s future. Suarez and Arsenal alike will not be too happy with this, but it seems like the drama might finally be coming to a close.
“We’re not in Europe this year and haven’t been in the Champions League for a while. Obviously, to sell Luis to a rival for those positions, or one of those positions, would be ludicrous.”
Henry makes a valid point here. It wouldn’t make any sense for Liverpool to choose another Premier League team to sell to, but it doesn’t seem like they have many options at this point. Arsenal seems to be the only real suitor at this point, but their chances of signing the player have now taken a huge hit.
Between these statements and some previous tweets, Henry really has to stick to his guns now. The collective soccer world has a great memory, and he has made some comments that will not be soon forgotten.
If Suarez really is off the table, Arsenal now has an even tougher job to go find a striker.
This is something that might turn out to be a good thing for the Gunners as Suarez is loaded with drama. He will still miss the first six games of the season, and will undoubtedly be involved in some negative headlines at some point over the course of the next year. He is indeed a prolific player who will score many goals, and if Arsenal were to sign him, it would be a huge statement to the other teams in the league.
Liverpool’s owner has squashed any chances of Suarez going to any other club. After reports surfaced that the £40 million clause in the contract did not, in fact, obligate Liverpool to sell, the chances for Arsenal to sign the forward are now very thin. Now Arsenal are in the great position of having eight days to find a striker, reach agreements with him and his club and integrate him into the squad before the season starts.
That or they can continue to pursue the Uruguayan in hopes that Liverpool’s stance will soften in the coming days.
How typical of Arsenal to wait until the end of the transfer window to make any moves. Financial firepower, eh, Ivan Gazidis?
James Roeling is a soccer writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JamesRoeling, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
