Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Arsene Wenger Must Not Give Up on Luis Suarez

As Premier League clubs up and down the country continue to invest in new players this summer, Arsenal appear to have put all their eggs in one Luis Suarez-shaped basket.

The Gunners were reportedly closing in on the signing of Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain a few weeks ago, only for Arsene Wenger to switch his attention to Liverpool's mischievous forward.

Since then the Gunners have seen Higuain join Italian side Napoli after Wenger refused to meet Real's asking price, even though it fell well below the £40 million fee the Frenchman offered for Suarez.

Wenger's decision to let Higuain slip through his fingers when a deal looked almost certain indicates that he is completely focused on bringing Suarez to north London—even if it means missing other targets in the process.

However, The Daily Mirror has reported that Wenger will not up his bid for the Uruguayan's services, instead choosing to let the clock tick towards the end of the transfer window.

This is an interesting, albeit risky, ploy for Arsenal to take with little over a month until the window slams shut and less than three weeks before the first game of the season.

It seems reasonable to assume that Suarez's agent, Pere Guardiola, will have told the Gunners that his client is keen on a move to Emirates, hence Wenger's hard-nosed stance.

The former Monaco boss is reliant on Suarez forcing his way out of Anfield with more unhappy interviews, some disinterested performances in preseason and eventually an official transfer request.

Although these actions would undoubtedly force Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers into considering a bid lower than he would've liked, it's still a worrying tactic for Gooners worldwide.

What if Liverpool refuse to sell Suarez no matter what? What if Real Madrid or another European giant come in with a £50 million bid? What if Suarez has a change or heart or gets offered a new mega contract?

Given that Arsenal's current record transfer fee stands at £16 million for Santi Cazorla last summer, the £40 million offer for Suarez is a huge sign of intent from both Wenger and the club as a whole.

Bringing in Suarez, a natural goalscorer and one of the world's best players, could be the catalyst for Arsenal to start challenging for Premier League titles again, not just fourth place.

But Wenger cannot wait for Suarez to force a move or hope that Liverpool suddenly believe £40 million is an acceptable figure for their star man.

If he really wants Suarez, Wenger must make a new bid of £50 million now—a figure which Sky News, The Evening Standard and The Daily Express believe will be enough for the Reds to do business.

Arsenal's change in attitude regarding spending big is refreshing but it will mean nothing if they don't land Wenger's number one target this summer.