LONDON (AFP) - Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen said on Sunday that he would be surprised if Anfield favourite Luis Suarez leaves to join English Premier League rivals Arsenal.

The Reds have already turned down a Gunners club record bid of £40 million for the 26-year-old Uruguay striker - and Owen feels if a move does take place it would be more logical to look at Spain.

"Arsenal are a fabulous club and have got a great heritage, but Liverpool are as big - if not bigger," Owen told the BBC's Sportsweek. "I'd be very surprised if he were to move to Arsenal. Madrid or Barcelona would make more sense."