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LONDON. — Luis Suarez is ready to commit his immediate future to Liverpool after claiming the love of the fans of the English Premiership soccer side has convinced him to abandon his plans to join rivals Arsenal. The Reds striker, who last week issued an explosive plea to be allowed to quit Anfield, has now performed a remarkable U-turn in the wake of owner John W Henry’s complete resistance against a sale.
Suarez was back in action up front for his home nation against Japan yesterday, and scored his side’s third goal as they cruised to a 4-2 win, with Manchester United’s Shinji Kagawa scoring for the home side.
Liverpool are privately viewing Suarez’s spectacular U-turn as a “welcome development” in the bitter transfer saga that has over-shadowed the summer at Anfield.
Sportsmail understands the club see Suarez’s latest words as a step towards resolving the acrimonious stand-off, with one insider describing his apparent decision to stay as a “welcome development”.
Arsenal have had two bids rejected for the controversial forward, and had plans for a third offer approaching Liverpool’s minimum £50 million asking price.
But Suarez — who was on international duty in Tokyo yesterday — may now stay at Anfield.
“For now, because of all the affection of the people, I would be staying,” Suarez told Uruguayan newspaper El Observador from Tokyo, where the national side faced Japan yesterday.
Martin Charquero, of GolTV Latin American, also claimed that the forward told him personally he would not leave Anfield.
He tweeted: “Luis Suarez confirms to me he will not leave Liverpool. The support of the fans has influenced his decision.
“Suarez sees it as likely that he’ll sign a renewal (extension) to the contract that binds him to Liverpool.”
The reversal in attitude from the 26-year-old may even go as far as seeing him pen a new contract with the Reds, albeit one that is likely to include a definite release clause for next summer.
The news will come as a welcome boost to Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who on Tuesday night reiterated the importance for the club to hang on to their star of last season.
“At the moment I haven’t got a clue (if he will stay) or not, but I am really confident he won’t go to anywhere else in England,” Gerrard said.
“It’s very important he stays.
“He’s one of the best players in the world.
“I can understand why clubs are showing an interest.
“If I can use my influence to try to get him to stay then of course I will.
“I love playing with him and don’t want him to go. For Liverpool to be successful we have to keep our best players.”
Arsenal will now be forced to turn their attentions elsewhere, with Manchester City’s Edin Dzeko and Swansea sensation Michu being mooted as possible alternatives.
Arsenal are, in fact, devising a Plan B in their search for a new centre forward as the realisation dawns that they could miss out on Suarez.
The Gunners have made the wantaway Liverpool striker their No. 1 transfer target and have already had two formal offers rejected by the Anfield club.
Arsenal are still hopeful of bringing the bitter transfer saga to a successful conclusion and are planning a third offer approaching Liverpool’s £50 million minimum asking price.
But Sportsmail understands the Gunners’ back room team have started looking at a contingency plan should their pursuit of Suarez end in failure.
Discussions aimed at identifying alternative targets between scouting staff have taken place in the last few days.
The news is the first clear indication from within the Gunners ranks that they could miss out on Suarez, who has become the major focus of their transfer strategy.
Gonzalo Higuain and Stevan Jovetic both featured highly on Arsene Wenger’s wanted list this summer, with a deal for the former virtually completed before the Gunners switched their attentions to Suarez.
But the strike pair have already completed big-money transfers this summer, Higuain to Napoli and Jovetic to Manchester City, leaving the Gunners short of options.
Wayne Rooney was a target earlier in the summer, while the club have completed extensive scouting reports on Swansea striker Michu and Manchester City’s Edin Dzeko.
Liverpool insist they will not sell Suarez to Arsenal under any circumstances, but the Gunners are not giving up on trying to land the Uruguayan — who is desperate to quit Anfield for the Emirates.
One player Arsenal look better placed to sign is Bayern Munich defensive midfielder Luis Gustavo.
The Gunners have opened talks with the Champions League holders over a £14,5 million switch for the Brazil international.
And Gustavo, who has dropped down the midfield pecking order at the Allianz Arena, is keen on a move to north London, saying: “They (Arsenal) are a great team and that would be a great chance.
“I want to move to a club where I can play.”
Meanwhile, Malaga want to use right-back Jesus Gamez as part of the negotiations to sign Nicklas Bendtner.
Arsenal want to sign a new right-back as defensive cover for Bacary Sagna, who could be used as a makeshift centre back in the absence of injured Thomas Vermaelen during the opening weeks of the season.
And Malaga want to explore using Gamez (28) as part of the deal to land Gunners outcast Bendtner. — Metro-Mailonline.
Online Reporter