Spanish football pundit Guillem Balague has suggested that Arsenal could splash out €28m in total in their attempt to prise Denis Suarez away from Barcelona.
The 25-year-old has struggled to establish himself in coach Ernesto Valverde’s plans so far this season, as he has been limited to just eight appearances in all competitions.
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That in turn had led to question marks being raised over his future at the Nou Camp, with Arsenal linked with a swoop this month, as noted by The Sun.
While Unai Emery has various options to offer midfield solidity and defensive quality in that department, there is a lack of inventiveness and creativity, an issue that Suarez could help address moving forward.
However, as noted by Balague in his tweet below, he has suggested that a deal to eventually sign Suarez on a permanent basis after an initial loan deal could cost the Gunners up to €28m, but Barcelona have yet to approve of the sale.
In turn, until Arsenal get that approval, it remains to be seen whether or not there will be a breakthrough in talks between the two sides to allow Suarez to start a new chapter in his career in north London.
Given the lack of opportunities and bit-part role he currently has with the Catalan giants, he’ll surely be keen to move on and start a new challenge elsewhere.
Nevertheless, Valverde perhaps values his quality and the depth that he offers greatly, and enough so to keep him for the rest of the season as Barcelona continue to compete on multiple fronts.
With that in mind, it could force Arsenal to look elsewhere in order to bolster Emery’s midfield options, but given fees are mooted by Balague, that would suggest that there has been progress in negotiations to this point.
