Liverpool Transfer News: Luis Suarez Demands Arsenal Talks

BBC. The unsettled Uruguayan believed the Gunner's offer last night of £40,000,001 triggers the release clause inserted in his contract at Anfield, allowing him to speak to his suitors. Liverpool however see things differently, and rejected Arsenal's offer outright, though Suarez will inform manager Brendan Rodgers that he intends to speak with the Londoners. The Reds have now turned down two bids from Arsenal, who made an opening offer of £30 million on July 8. The Gunner's resolve to sign Suarez comes as one-time target Gonzalo Higuain edges toward a move from Real Madrid to Napoli, and Arsene Wenger will now invest all his efforts in capturing the Liverpool marksman instead. Real also retain an interest in Suarez, but have thus far stopped short of making an offer. Following Arsenal's most recent approach for the forward, Liverpool owner John Henry's Twitter page read: "What do you think they're smoking over there at Emirates?" It is unclear if the American was referring to the Gunner's attempts to sign Suarez or their valuation of the player. Red's manager Brendan Rodgers recently suggested he values Suarez closer to the £55 million mark. Should Arsenal persist and have an improved offer for Suarez accepted, it would come close to trebling the club's transfer record - the £15 million paid to Zenit Saint Petersburg for Andrey Arshavin in January 2009.