Brendan Rodgers has warned Luis Suarez that it would be a mistake to leave Liverpool for Arsenal following the improved offer from the Gunners in their attempt to lure the striker to the Emirates.
Arsenal followed up their initial £30m offer with a bid of £40m plus £1, believing that the price would trigger a clause in Suarez’s contract.
However, Liverpool immediately rejected the bid, and Rodgers has claimed that the Uruguayan would regret the move should he and his representatives push for a transfer.
Speaking to The Guardian, Rodgers 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. If a team wants you, it can be difficult."
Suarez linked up with the rest of the Liverpool squad earlier this week, with huge crowds turning out to see the players in action in bot Australia and Thailand.
Rodgers is hopeful that the effect of the fans will convince Suarez that Liverpool remain a club capable of challenging for silverware, and he hopes that the club’s ambition in bringing new players to Anfield this summer will also convince him to stay.
"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," Rodgers said.
Both he and managing director Ian Ayre are due to hold further talks with both Suarez and his agent Pere Guardiola, who told the club that the 26-year-old wants to play Champions League football.
"It has never been our intention to sell Luis," Ayre told reporters in Bangkok on Friday.
"As has been widely reported in the media, we've received two separate offers from Arsenal for the player and we've rejected both offers.
"So, our situation remains the same and Luis Suarez remains a Liverpool player. He's here in Thailand as part of our squad."
After Sunday's game against Thailand, Liverpool will return to Europe to play final friendly matches against Olympiakos, Valerenga and Celtic before opening their Premier League campaign against Stoke City on August 17.
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