Transfer news: Arsenal hopes reignited after Luis Suarez denies saying he wants to stay at Liverpool

The striker goes full-circle after appearing to make U-turn earlier today

Luis Suarez has denied quotes attributed to him that appeared to suggest he had resigned himself to staying at Liverpool.

Earlier today it appeared the striker had made an astonishing U-turn in his quest to leave Anfield when reports emerging from Uruguay suggested he had said he was ready to stay.

He was quoted in Uruguayan newspaper El Observador as saying: “For now, due to all of the people’s affection (for me), I will be staying.”

However, speaking after Uruguay's 4-2 friendly victory over Japan in Tokyo earlier today, the Liverpool striker denied they were his words.

"I didn't say it," Kyodo News report him as saying.

"Maybe someone else did, [but] the main thing is that I am here now with the national team."

Just when it appeared Liverpool had done enough to retain their leading striker, speculation over a possible move to Arsenal will now reignite.

The 26–year-old has been determined to leave Liverpool this summer, declaring that the club reneged on their word they would sell him this summer if they failed to qualify for the Champions League.

Arsenal remain the only interested party in Suarez, having seen two bids – the second of £40m plus £1 leading them to believe they had activated a release clause – rejected by the Reds as they remained determined to hold on their star striker.

The Gunners are reportedly planning to launch a final £50m offer.

Anfield officials are understood to be disgusted by the forward’s behaviour this summer after they supported him throughout his controversial Liverpool career to date.

The Reds’ England captain Steven Gerrard did admit yesterday though that he wanted Suarez to remain at the club and hoped to use his influence to keep him with the five-time European champions.

“It’s very important he stays,” Gerrard said ahead of tonight’s international friendly against Scotland at Wembley. “He is one of the best players in the world. I can understand why clubs are showing an interest in him.

“If I can use my influence to make him stay I will. I love playing with him and I don’t want him to go.”

“For Liverpool to be successful and move forward we have to keep our best players. I don't know what will happen in the next two weeks. But I'm really confident he won't move to anyone else in England.”