Liverpool is dealing with a tough situation as other clubs chase star Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard has said that the season could hinge on whether they can keep the star with the team as Arsenal, Real Madrid and Barcelona have been rumored as interesting in signing him.
Gerrard said that having Suarez is essential and according to the Guardian, he added that the club would have a chance for a Champions League place with him in the fold and that what the team does this season may hinge on whether he leaves or not. The Independent reported that Arsenal has bid on Suarez twice and was turned down both times, the most recent one being £40 million and a third bid could possibly go even higher. The club was trying to trigger talks through a clause in Suarez's contract, but so far things have not moved forward.
Gerrard said that he feels Suarez is the third best player in the world along with Spurs star Gareth Bale and behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and he added that he hopes the 26-year-old stays with the club. Last season Liverpool finished in seventh place while chasing a Champions League place and Gerrard feels that Suarez is a key part to the team taking on clubs like Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United. Gerrard added that Suarez going to Arsenal would be tough for Liverpool to deal with and he also mentioned that any amount of money still doesn't make the move make any sense.
Arsenal has made two offers for Suarez already and have seen both of them turned down and Gerrard also said that he spoke with Suarez and urged him to remain with Liverpool to try and qualify for the Champions League, although he said that going to a club like Barcelona or Real Madrid would be a move that he understands and mentioned that he will continue to convince him to stay home.
"It's difficult every season to finish in the top-four positions because of the power the likes of Man City, Chelsea and Manchester United have got at the moment," he told the Independent. "The likes of us, Tottenham and Arsenal are fighting to sneak into the other place that's available."