Luis Suarez is ready to take Liverpool to court over his proposed transfer to Arsenal.
Luis Suarez comes on as a substitute in Melbourne
The Uruguayan striker is reported by the BBC to be furious that the reds have rejected a £40M + 1p transfer offer from the Gunners.
According to the sources highlighted by the Beeb, the player believes his contract stipulates that the £40M is a price which means he can leave Liverpool Football Club. They say that the player is prepared to hand in a formal transfer request.
Arsene Wenger yesterday spoke out on the transfer saga:
"We want to sign him if it is feasible in an amicable way.
"We will respect what Liverpool want to do. I don't want to speak about Suarez, because that is between Liverpool and Arsenal.
"I am a great believer you have to keep as much confidentiality as possible, which is quite difficult in the modern world.
Liverpool rejected the initial offer, but at boardroom level are resigned to losing the player this summer - as he craves both Champions League football, and an increased salary that Fenway feel unable to afford.
According to Suarez, the player and the club had a verbal agreement that if LFC didn't qualify for the Champions League he could leave for £40M. For Liverpool fans these words will come as very reminiscent of the 'verbal promises' offered to Fernando Torres - that ended up leaving the Spanish striker so unhappy with the Liverpool hierarchy.
The threat of legal action from the player is considered the last resort by the players representative.
The reds have made enquiries about Diego Costa as a replacement for Suarez, but will only purchase the player if they are convinced they will be receiving a transfer fee for Suarez.
Whilst the Liverpool board fully expect Suarez to depart this summer - they are aware that Arsenal are the main challengers for a Champions League spot - and have been trying to garner interest from across the continent.