Liverpool skipper Steven Gerard insists that a move to Arsenal would be a step down for Luis Suarez

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has urged the club's star striker Luis Suarez to stay with the Reds this season, as a move to the Gunners would be a step down for the player.

Arsenal had earlier made a bid of £40,000,001m for the Uruguayan International which was rebuffed by the Reds manager Brendan Rodgers.

Liverpool's playing legend Steven Gerard has insisted that a move to North London outfit Arsenal would be a step in the wrong direction for Suarez , as he considers the player worthy enough to join a much bigger side in Europe.

He told the Mirror: "I don't want to disrespect Arsenal, because they are a fantastic club, but I don't see joining them as being a step forward for Luis.

"There are only really two or three clubs he should leave this football club for if he is taking a step forward.

"If we don't qualify for the Champions League this season he can go to Real Madrid, Barcelona or Bayern Munich – and he can go with his head held high."

Gerrard also insisted that Suarez's stance on requesting a transfer away from the Merseyside club did not ruin his relationship with the fans of the club.

He added saying : "I understand we're a little bit off the Champions League here at the moment, but I think he would ruin the relationship he has got with the supporters here if he went to another English club."