Arsenal v Liverpool: Mikel Arteta admits it is a 'pity' the Gunners did not sign Luis Suarez

Premier League leaders had bid for the striker during the summer

Luis Suarez (left) is pursued by Mikel Arteta during Arsenal's 2-0 win at Liverpool in the Premier League in September 2012 (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta says it is a shame that he will be playing against Liverpool striker Luis Suarez when the teams meet in the crucial Premier League clash tomorrow, not alongside him.

The Gunners had been linked with the Uruguayan throughout the summer, and had made an offer of £40m plus £1, which Liverpool turned down. Suarez eventually stayed at Anfield, and is now content at the club after returning from a 10-match ban.

Arteta, who played for Liverpool’s local rivals Everton between 2005 and 2010, says he used to live next Suarez, and “knows him really well”.

“People don't know the real Luis,” Arteta said. "He's a really good lad.

"I know Suarez really well. He used to live in the next house to me and, whenever I've met him, he's always been really nice.

“It's a pity Arsenal could not get Suarez.

"Suarez and Daniel Sturridge are the two most in-form strikers in the league and will be a big threat to us. But we have the quality to beat them.”