Denis Suarez is reportedly set to complete his switch from Barcelona to Arsenal, who are poised to sign him on loan for the remainder of the season.
According to a report by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal have inched closer to securing the services of Denis Suarez on a loan deal for the rest of the 2018-19 season. The Spanish midfielder will first renew his contract with Barcelona until the summer of 2021 before making his way to Emirates.
Denis Suarez has endured a frustrating return to Barcelona, following what was a fruitful spell with Villarreal for a solitary season. The 25-year-old has seen his second coming at Camp Nou being restricted largely to starts in Copa del Rey, apart from the odd appearances in La Liga and Europe.
The Spaniard has managed to start just two games this season apart from six appearances off the bench, which has ultimately forced his hand. Denis is now poised to leave Barcelona this month, with Arsenal reportedly the favourites to secure his services.
The Gunners did bolster their midfield options by signing Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira last summer. But, Aaron Ramsey is the only midfielder who consistently makes an impact in the final third, with Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan frustrating with their inconsistencies.
In addition to operating as an attacking midfielder, the Barcelona outcast is also capable of playing in the wide areas equally adeptly, which further makes him an attractive target for Arsenal. And, the Gunners’ pursuit of Denis Suarez is set to bear fruit in the late stages of the January transfer window.
The 25-year-old will first extend his current Barcelona contract by one year before making his way to the Emirates for loan deal till the end of the season. Arsenal will further have an option to sign the player on a permanent deal in the summer.
The Blaugrana had initially favoured selling permanently this month, or insert an obligatory purchase clause at the very least. Denis did have suitors wanting to sign him on a permanent deal, with Sevilla and Real Betis willing to shell out up to €20 million, but he has had his heart set on leaving Barcelona only for Arsenal.
Arsenal manager Unai Emery was also quizzed about the 25-year-old in the aftermath of his side’s 2-1 win over Cardiff City on Tuesday, but the Spaniard, who has previously managed the player at Sevilla, only coyly confirmed the transfer.
A move to the North London club though, is set to see the light of the day, with the player’s contract extension meaning Barcelona have the security of an added year if the Gunners do not intend to sign him permanently in the summer. For now, Denis Suarez is set for a fresh start at Arsenal, and it remains to be seen if he can resurrect his career at Emirates.
