FC Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde has conceded that it is “possible” Arsenal target Denis Suárez will leave the club before this month’s transfer window closes.
Suárez was a first-team regular for Barcelona under Luis Enrique two seasons ago, but has found it difficult to hold down a regular starting place since Valverde was appointed in May 2017.
The 25-year-old central midfielder has played just 17 minutes in La Liga this season, with Valverde today conceding at Kevin-Prince Boateng’s unveiling that Suárez could leave the club.
“We are happy with the squad but there are always possibilities for departures for those who maybe do not feature as often,” Valverde told a press conference on Tuesday.
“Those players could stay here and we would be happy or they could leave in search of more opportunities, we will evaluate all possibilities for them.
“I don't think there will be any more arrivals. It is true – it is possible that Denis will leave but I don't know what will happen. Boateng has come in because Munir [El Haddadi] went out.
“We work internally and there is a lot of planning involved of which I am a part, but we will see how the market progresses.”
Arsenal, who are only able to sign players on loan this window, are long-term of suitors of Suárez, who previously worked with Unai Emery at Sevilla during the 2014/15 season.
The two clubs opened talks at the beginning of the winter window with both keen to get the deal over the line, although Arsenal’s preference for a loan rather than a permanent transfer has caused some problems.
While the basic principles of a deal with Barcelona are already in place, there is not yet an agreement on the exact loan fee, and some other details are still to be agreed. However both sides are confident a move will be completed before the January 31 transfer deadline.
The Independent earlier reported that if Arsenal sign Suárez and one other player they will consider allowing Aaron Ramsey to leave the club for £10m this month.
Ramsey, 28, has already completed a medical with Italian champions Juventus, with his current deal at the Emirates set to expire at the end of the season.
