Brendan Rodgers: Suarez will make a big mistake in leaving Liverpool for Arsenal

Brendan Rodgers with Luis Suarez

Brendan Rodgers has claimed it would be a big mistake if Luis Suarez left Liverpool to join Arsenal.

The Northern Irishman, who is struggling to persuade the former Ajax striker to stay, was baffled why anyone would want to quit Anfield and move to the Emirates.

Liverpool have rejected a £40 million plus £1 offer from Arsenal on Tuesday, with Rodgers insisting that figure is way short of their valuation of the temperamental striker.

Arsenal, on the other hand, believes the prospect of Champions League football will be enough to tempt Suarez to switch over to the Emirates.

The former Swansea manager expects Liverpool to be competing with the Gunners this season, and Suarez is very much in his plans.

He said: “I know what we are trying to build and grow, so why would you swap Liverpool to go to Arsenal?

“I am not sure that it adds up to be honest. Arsenal has a wonderful history in its own right, but Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs in the world.”

“Okay, we might not be in the Champions League and haven’t been for a while now, but our competitors have grown around us and we have to step up to the challenge now.”

“Would it be a mistake for Luis to leave? 100%. The team was built around Luis last season.”

“I made some big calls to get the team to work in a way to suit his strengths and it is no coincidence he had a great season apart from the end bit. We would love to have him to continue the next phase.”.

“It is difficult for Luis, I understand that,” Rodgers said.

“If a team wants you, it can be difficult, but I am not sure many teams will have done what we have done in the last couple of games. I am sure Luis will have seen the sheer size and status of the club on this trip.”

“But it is not something we want to run on too long. It is something that can’t run on too long.”

Rodgers refused to comment on whether Suarez submitting a transfer request would tie Liverpool’s hand.

“Luis is under contract so I haven’t even thought about that (a transfer request),” Rodgers added.