Underhand? Come on now grow up.
The negotiation could have been finalized in the matter of hours. Why did Arsenal not go directly back with another offer? Why haven't they got on the phone and brokered a deal? Arsenal are sitting on their hands either waiting for Suarez to do all the dirty work, or their interest isn't legitimate they just want to appear to be 'trying' to spend those cash reserves. Arsenal want the player, Liverpool don't want to sell, clearly if its going to happen Arsenal are going to have to meet Liverpool's valuation, that's the only 'amicable' way this can be resolved.