Liverpool Transfer Rumours: Reds Must Brace Themselves for Post-Luis Suarez Era

With Arsenal's interest in Luis Suarez growing by the day, and the elite striker's desire to play for a contender heating up as well, Liverpool must begin preparation for potential life after Suarez.

According to the Mirror's John Cross, Arsenal will keep its bid for Suarez at the £40 million mark, which was enough to force the Reds to bring the offer to the player's attention. Cross adds that Suarez is "keen" on Arsenal and that he "wants to speak to them about a potential transfer."

To this point, manager Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool have maintained that the Uruguayan star is not for sale.

Unfortunately for Liverpool, Suarez's unhappiness at Anfield is just as much of an issue as Arsenal's interest. A superstar like Suarez will always bring attention to the club, but when the focus shifts from his production on the pitch to his desire to play elsewhere, as it has, the Reds have no choice but to consider the possibility of moving him.

That's why, with time running out on the transfer window, Liverpool must brace itself for the possibility of beginning the post-Luis Suarez era in the coming months.

Not only is Suarez Liverpool's top goalscorer and offensive threat, but the 26-year-old is also one of the club's most gifted creators, recording five assists in addition to 23 goals in 33 Premier League outings with the club a season ago.

If Suarez changes kits this summer, Liverpool can forget about contending for a spot in the Champions League two seasons from now, let alone competing for a Premier League crown.

Replacing Suarez's production with one player would be a nearly impossible task, but landing a few affordable players with potential to become stars in the future would be a wise move for a club that seems to be losing the interest of its star player.

Liverpool may have Suarez at the moment, but the club isn't in a position of power now or moving forward. The Reds can't offer Suarez the opportunity to contend in the Champions League, and they certainly can't offer him a change of scenery. 

Having caught Suarez's attention with an impressive offer this summer, it appears Arsenal is in the driver's seat to acquire the star forward eventually. Sure, there's a lot that must play out first, but Liverpool's grip on Suarez is seemingly slipping more and more the closer we get to the start of the new season.

The only question is whether Gunners manager Arsene Wenger will be there to catch him.

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