Arsenal have had a mega official bid for Luis Suarez rejected by Liverpool, according to widespread reports in the British press.
The Gunners are looking to bring in a couple of marquee forwards to the club this summer, with Gonzalo Higuain thought to be closing in on a move to the Emirates.
However, with Arsene Wenger having plenty of money to spend on players, there could be room for a couple or more record club transfers this summer.
Suarez has been tipped to leave Liverpool this summer, after expressing his discontent with life in England and the way he has been treated by the British media.
Real Madrid were thought to be the frontrunners for the Uruguay international's signature, even if Liverpool have categorically said the striker, who is tied down to a long-term contract, is not for sale.
However, Liverpool rejected an official bid from Arsenal, thought to be around £30 million ($45 million), according to the Daily Telegraph.
Betting websites last week were forced to suspend betting after they received large amounts of bets over a move for Suarez to Arsenal.
However, the signing looks extremely unlikely with Suarez suggesting the only reason he wants to leave Liverpool this summer is because of his disillusionment with life in England - the bid might have been made to force Real Madrid's hand to sell Higuain to the Gunners.
"It is a difficult moment for me," Suarez said last month while on international duty with Uruguay. "My coach and my colleagues know that they (the media) didn't treat me well.
"Because of the paparazzi I could not go in my garden, I could not go to the supermarket. My reason for leaving is not the money. It's my family and image. I don't feel comfortable here anymore.
"It's a good moment for a change of environment because of all I've been through in England, where I haven't been judged as a player but based on other things. I had a hard time, very hard, in the things that have been said are lies.
"One has limits and the family also suffers. They treated me bad and it would be understandable if one day I go to my club (and the media are waiting for him) but I cannot walk my baby -- the paparazzi are always there.
"My family, my image -- that's what matters to me most. The coach and some colleagues know that I suffered, I was treated badly and I did not feel comfortable and they know perfectly.
"It's nothing against Liverpool, on the contrary, I feel very comfortable at the club, but I have a daughter and I do not want (her) to hear bad things about her father. In England they talk about many things and in some ways I feel uncomfortable."
It would be rather hypocritical of Suarez if he were to force through a move to a rival Premier League club; and the likelihood remains the 26-year-old either moving to a side outside England or staying with Liverpool for at least one more season.
