Journalists, owners and supporters react to Arsenal’s Suarez bid

July 24, 2013
This Is Anfield

The news late last night that Arsenal have had a £40,000,0001 bid for striker Luis Suarez turned down by Liverpool has created a stir today, with journalists responding to the ‘activation clause’ – and owner John Henry tweeting his own unique response!

Henry wrote on his twitter, “What do you you think they’re smoking over there at Emirates?”

Hopefully his account hasn’t been hacked and not only has he provided the perfect riposte to Arsenal‘s disrespectful offer but also injected some much needed humour into this tiresome transfer saga.

Of the tweet, BBC Sport wrote “It is unclear whether Henry is talking about Arsenal‘s attempts to sign Suarez or their valuation of the player.”

Click here for all the details and explanations of Arsenal’s bid

Liverpool Echo journalist James Pearce was on radio station TalkSport on Wednesday morning, he said:

“Arsenal were of the belief offering £40m plus activated a release clause, but that’s not the case.”

“Some people are of the illusion that Liverpool are resigned to losing Suarez. That’s not the case. If anything it has strengthened their resolve in keeping him at the club.”

The Times’ journalist Rory Smith attempted to explain the reasons for the bizarre bid wrote via his twitter:

“Arsenal have evidently been told there is a clause for offers of above £40m. But they don’t know is whether Liverpool have to talk at that point, or simply inform Suarez.

“So they put in a bid to see how the clause works. There is a risk: it will annoy Liverpool.”

Tony Barrett, also via his twitter, wrote:

“The ball’s in Suarez’s court now (and Pere Guardiola’s). Do they try and force the issue by claiming clause has been triggered?”

The Liverpool Echo backpage this morning:

Best of the tweets

I think it's safe to say @John_W_Henry isn't too impressed by the latest offer from #AFC for Luis Suarez.

— Tony Barrett (@TonyBarretTimes) July 24, 2013

Under no circumstances would I sell Suarez to Arsenal. #LFC only have a slim chance of getting into the top four as it is.

— Jack Wells (@thisisjackwells) July 24, 2013

Wonder if the pound Arsenal offered is the one Carra threw back in the crowd?

— Matt Ladson (@mattladson) July 23, 2013

Clause or no clause, the offer was disrespectful and a waste of time.

— Jack (@JackWatson_) July 24, 2013

#LFC should refuse to do any business with Arsenal after last night. Told a fortnight ago that £40m wouldn't be enough so they add £1.

— Jack (@JackWatson_) July 24, 2013

That John Henry tweet is probably legit, but there is some doubt over it. It means he would've tweeted it between 3am and 4am if in Boston.

— Dr Manhattan (@ManhattanDoc) July 24, 2013

Was around 3am in Boston when that tweet appeared on John W Henry's account. He has been hacked twice in past few months

— Ben Smith (@BenSmithBBC) July 24, 2013

I hope that @John_W_Henry tweet is genuine. Is a brilliant public riposte to a lack of respect by Arsenal! #LFC.

— Simon Steers (@sisteers) July 24, 2013