Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has admitted that the outcome of the club's season completely depends on striker Luis Suarez.
The Uruguayan is believed to have told the Reds that he wants to join Arsenal this summer after the Gunners saw two bids rejected for the forward by the Merseysiders.
However, Gerrard believes that Suarez should turn down a move to the Emirates Stadium and help fire Liverpool into the Champions League.
"It's difficult every season to finish in the top-four positions because of the power the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United have got at the moment," Gerrard told The Independent. "The likes of us, Tottenham and Arsenal are fighting to sneak into the other place that's available.
"Where we sit actually right now, it all depends on what decision Luis Suarez makes in the next few weeks. How difficult it becomes for Liverpool. If we lose him, then the challenge becomes even more difficult. It's that simple. If he goes to Arsenal, it obviously makes our season that little bit more difficult. It strengthens them an awful lot and they are our rivals for a top-four position.
"From the club's point of view it doesn't make sense at all, no matter how much money is put on the table. He's the third best player in the world now. I'd put him alongside [Gareth] Bale. You've got Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo who are on a different planet, then you've got Bale and Suarez."
Madrid have also been touted as a possible destination for Suarez.
Matt Cotton
