Manager Arsene Wenger accepts there was nothing subtle about the way Arsenal tried to sign Luis Suarez from Liverpool in the summer.
The Gunners boss made the admission on the eve of Saturday's first-versus-third showdown at the Emirates - but insisted his club's carefully calculated £40,000,001 offer was in no way meant to be "provocative".
Arsenal had made their specific bid believing it would trigger a get-out clause in Suarez's contract but were quickly rebuffed by the Anfield club in July, with American owner John W. Henry posting on Twitter: "What do you think they're smoking over there at Emirates?"
Wenger, though, insists there are no lingering issues between the two clubs over the protracted saga as they prepare to go head-to-head at the top of the Barclays Premier League.
"It was not the most subtle thing we have done, but it was not meant to be provocative at all. It could be interpreted like that, but it was not our purpose," the Frenchman said.
"It was one of the transfers that did not work and in every club you have two or three, but there is no need afterwards to speak about it.
"Suarez is a professional, he plays there, he is paid by Liverpool, and that is it.
"Relations (with Liverpool) are good. We kept in touch over that period."
The Gunners boss insists there can be no thoughts of regret over the one who got away when he sends his side out on Saturday looking to avoid what would be a third consecutive home defeat.
"Life is about opportunities that you miss, some that you take," Wenger added. "You can only make life with your own qualities.
"We have a squad that is good enough to beat Liverpool and that is what we want to show and focus on."
