Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners Face Key Stretch in Luis Suarez Talks

Arsenal are about to enter a key stretch in their efforts to land Luis Suarez. Although the Liverpool striker would be a perfect addition to the Gunners' attack, prying him away from their Premier League rivals has proven difficult.

Brendan Rodgers confirmed Arsenal's interest, but he continued to hold firm in his belief that Arsene Wenger and Co. must step up to reach the star's true market value before a deal is considered, reports James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo:

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If Arsenal want the player then they have to produce the value for the player.

There was an offer a few weeks ago of £35million and two weeks later it is now £40million and £1. I don’t think it is anywhere near the value of what he is worth.

It is two-fold really. A player may want to go, but then somebody has to pay the value or worth of that player.

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Perhaps more importantly, Rodgers also said the club isn't going to let the transfer saga distract the club from the new campaign. Instead, he said the opportunity for any side to reach an agreement for Suarez will soon come to a close.

As Pearce reports: "Asked if there would be a cut-off point for the Reds to even consider offers, Rodgers said: 'Yes and that period will come soon.'"

In other words, the time is now if Arsenal want to step up and sign Suarez. While it's unknown exactly what it would take for Liverpool to change their stance, Rodgers clearly plans on playing hardball throughout the process.

Ultimately, Wenger must decide exactly how valuable of an addition Suarez would be for his club. While the Gunners could definitely use an accomplished striker to lead the attack, every player has a price. And it seems like Liverpool are trying to price everybody out of the market.

The £40 million offer doesn't seem unreasonable, especially considering the striker's discontent, but it's apparently not within an acceptable range. The only reason Arsenal should seriously consider making another sizable increase is if they believe he's the game-changer they need.

If Arsenal think Suarez can shift the balance of the Premier League in their favor and make them legitimate title threats alongside Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea, then it would be worth making an even bigger investment.

On the surface, it's not difficult to make the argument in favor of Suarez.

He finished second in the league with 23 goals last season, three behind leader Robin van Persie. At 26, Suarez is still in the midst of his peak years and shouldn't lack motivation heading into the final stretch of the current World Cup cycle.

Suarez would step into the striker role alongside a very strong supporting cast, including players like Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla, who would help form an extremely dangerous attack.

Alas, the counterargument is also obvious.

Arsenal finished third in Premier League goals last season without the benefit of a true lead striker like Suarez or the departed Van Persie. Using what amounts to a committee approach, they were able to generate plenty of offense despite a few droughts.

Then there's the issue of Suarez being a polarizing figure. He was handed a 10-match ban near the end of last season after biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic. Arsenal won't want to make a massive deal for a player whose contributions are offset by other actions.

That's the dilemma Wenger faces as the Suarez talks apparently reach crunch time. Does he accept the risk and pay whatever Liverpool want, or walk away and consider other options, potentially missing out on the piece his club needs? It's a tough question for the veteran boss.

It sounds like Liverpool are going to push for a quick answer, too. So Arsenal must decide which path they want to take and move forward.

Either way, it appears a resolution could finally be on the horizon. Then again, fans know by now there's no guarantees when it comes to transfer sagas. Stay tuned.