Arsenal are pressing ahead with negotiations to secure Denis Suarez from Barcelona, but would prefer to sign the playmaker on loan with an option to buy rather than unloading on a permanent transfer this month.
The Gunners were offered the Spain international last month, as revealed by The Independent, and Unai Emery is keen to add a player of such quality to his squad.
There is a feeling, however, that it will be difficult to find the funds to sign Suarez permanently this month with Barca now looking for north of £20m to sign the out-of-favour midfielder after interest from Serie A and Premier League clubs.
Emery is well aware of what Suarez could bring to his side having enjoyed his talents on loan at Sevilla while he was coach there, winning a Europa League.
Barca have previously sold the player to Villarreal with a buyback clause of £3.1m, which they exercised after one successful season in Castellon.
This time, however, it is understood that Barca are ready to make a clean break and they are instead seeking a sell-on percentage rather than an option to bring the player back to Spain.
After just 17 minutes of La Liga action this season, Suarez is keen to move on from Barcelona as he feels he should be playing first-team football at this point of his career. Turning 25 this weekend, Suarez has tried everything he can to make it at the Nou Camp but recognises a clean break is necessary if he is to add to his solitary international cap, won in 2016, and make the most of his potential.
