But as we approach the final month of the transfer window and this drawn out issue reaches its endgame, I'm compelled to put the various strands into perspective, if only for my own sanity.
Today's interview in The Guardian & Daily Telegraph told us what we already knew. Suarez wants to leave although we can now add a dodgy get-out clause, verbal agreement and the word 'honour' to the long, meandering narrative through which the Uraguayan has led us. Harsh treatment from the English media, stress and family issues have punctuated the tale which now it seems was all about one thing - Luis Suarez's personal ambition. Personal ambition that saw him, a year ago to the day, sign a new long term deal at Anfield with these words:
"To sign a new contract with Liverpool is unbelievable for me because I am so happy here at both the club and also in the city.
"That is important for me and I am very happy with my new contract.
"When you are a kid, everybody wants to play for Liverpool. I am here now and it is a dream for me, and now I am a Liverpool fan."
Now it appears that Luis is not happy with his contract, so much so that he needs the PFA and Premier League to intervene. Unfortunately for Luis, John Henry, a hard-nosed business man has staked his reputation on the words "Not for Sale" and PFA chairman Gordon "poor unloved footballers" Taylor has concurred with Liverpool's interpretation of the buy-out clause in question even if he has reservations about its contribution to such legal documents. Let's not mince words. Liverpool fans have loved Luis Suarez. For all his misdemeanours and faux-pa's, his silky skills and hard work go a long way to clouding the negatives that have similarly fogged the judgement at Anfield since Suarez's arrival. A genuine world class talent who can boast to be amongst the top 5 players in Europe, it should come as no surprise that he wants to ply his trade at the very highest level - the Champions League.
Timing is everything in football and whilst it is surprising that only two bids have been received from a single source, it is just not the right moment for many of Europe's top clubs to come in for him. Real Madrid is focussed on Bale while Barca has already recruited Neymar with other priorities lined up. In England, Chelsea needs Suarez like a hole in the head after recent controversies involving Mark Clattenberg and John Terry to name a couple. Manchester United is a non-starter whilst City has a crowded, celestial forward line. Without CL football, Tottenham's potential Bale windfall would be useless.
What's left is a gaggle of clubs with money, Champions League football and a lot of patience. Arsenal has shown its hand and is, much to LFC's irritation, a feasible option. Further afield both Monaco and PSG have invested heavily in Falcao and Cavani respectively but this isn't to say Suarez wouldn't be a further sign of their ambitions even at the blatant disregard of FFP. Having spent the best part of £240m this year, these clubs quibbling over another hefty outlay would be paying lip service to the issue. Bayern Munich is quiet on the subject but is in the market for a striker with Lewandowski set to stay at Dortmund or become the central player in a bidding war, potentially with Man United.
For now though, Arsenal are his only declared suitors and LFC's worst nightmare. The Gunners is a direct rival for a top four finish and would represent a huge setback if the switch took place. For an incredible fee, Arsenal would be getting a match winner, a player who turns matches on its head and makes the mundane sublime. Suarez is a player who can take Arsenal to the next level in Europe after years of failure amongst the elite. The cost may seem prohibitive to Arsenal since what began as a calculated gamble on a since defunct contractual clause has seen Liverpool's asking price rise rapidly. Brendan Rodgers used Cavani's £55m price tag as a guide two weeks ago but has since raised the stakes by looking towards Gareth Bales potential transfer. The true value is probably somewhere in between. Bale's valuation should be closer to Suarez, not the other way round whilst using other players as a price guide doesn't help the debate. Andy Carroll anyone? But as we all know, money isn't the only cost of recruiting the enigmatic Uraguayan.
The scenario's that could be played out at the Emirates are numerous should Liverpool allow such a deal. The negatives are clear in that Arsenal would rekindle much of the cutting edge it has lacked in recent seasons that has seen it slump to Champions League slot fillers and trophy-less since 2005. Pulling away from immediate rivals in the form of Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton to cement a top four finish (or better) is a nightmare outcome for the chasing pack. On the other hand, Suarez's true desire is to join Madrid and this ambition would not be halted by arriving at Arsenal. Come next summer, I fully expect Real to be in for Suarez once more and, if history is to be believed, the Spanish giants invariably get their man. What then for Arsenal? Another battle to save face as Suarez agitates for a move. And what of the cost? I would fully expect Suarez's agent to slam shut any clause that has caused confusion with his current employers. Buy-out clause? Hell, yes! And in simple Spanish.
All the while Gooners everywhere will be holding their breath for the best part of 90 minutes each week for Suarez to open up a fresh controversy. If LFC fans were honest, I think they've probably been doing the same for most of this season. The 'smaller' incidents that Suarez has escaped sanction for will now be high on any referees radar such as the nasty tackles on Distain and Scott Parker to name a couple or the less edifying mischief of hair pulling, diving and gestures to away supporters.
It's incredible that in the cold light of day fans can turn a blind eye to Luis Suarez's baggage. Name any player not at your own club with a crime sheet like his and we'd be making hay that he's not squeaky clean enough for our club. But hard facts rule the day. Suarez is an asset and a mighty big one at that. It's not feasible to just let him go. He's too big an asset just to push aside so Liverpool has some hard thinking to do. The best solution for all parties is a parting of ways but this should only be on the clubs terms. This means the right price and the right destination and that has to come from abroad. In the current state of play, United would be a better destination for LFC fans than Arsenal. Should Real open discussions (and they would hold an interest should the Bale deal conclude quickly) I would fully expect Liverpool to listen. The cost in hard cash would be a major stumbling block but Real are looking to offload players themselves. A left back in Coentrau, a classy winger in Di Maria or Benzema up front would be pleasing additions to a team who have proved they can, in fact, cut it without Suarez. Complicated as swap deals are, it would pose an interesting solution for the Reds and maybe something Liverpool should pursue to unravel this messy stand-off. With just cash to offer, we've seen already this transfer window how difficult it is for LFC to bring in top talent capable of attracting CL clubs as well.
Failing that, I still expect to hear some positive noises from elsewhere. Let's hope so.