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Brendan Rodgers: Luis Suarez leaving Liverpool for Arsenal a mistake
LIVERPOOL manager Brendan Rodgers has slammed Luis Suarez's prospective move to Arsenal by questioning why the striker would want to swap Anfield for the Emirates.
Arsenal are ramping up their interest in Suarez, after bidding £40,000,001 to test a clause in his contract.
Liverpool rejected that offer, but Suarez is permitted to talk with the Gunners as a result, and appears ready to leave Merseyside for North London.
But Rodgers has questioned the judgement of such a move, suggesting that Arsenal are no bigger a club than the Reds.
"I know what we are trying to build and grow, so why would you swap Liverpool to go to Arsenal?" Rodgers said.
"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. If a team wants you, it can be difficult.
"I am sure Luis will have seen the sheer size and status of the club, so we'll just see how it goes. It is not something we want to run on too long."
Express Sport understands that Liverpool have told Arsenal they have until next week to meet their £50m valuation for the 26-year-old, or face missing out on the Uruguayan altogether.
Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has backed Arsene Wenger's pursuit of Suarez, claiming his signing would be a 'perfect buy'.
"I have no idea of the situation and no idea of the contractual situation of Luis Suarez.," said Mourinho.
"But if Arsenal has economic potential to buy and the manager decides he is the perfect buy for them, it is normal to make a big offer.
"I have no idea how it will go."