Done deal: Arsenal acquire Denis Suárez on loan (or do they?)

HOLD THE PHONE:
This apparently was a bit premature - Barca have pulled the story off their website. It’s still apparently going to happen, just maybe not today.

It’s been in the works for a while, but today, Arsenal concluded a deal to bring Denis Suárez to London on loan. The final sticking point that took some negotiation was Barcelona’s original insistence on the loan containing a compulsory purchase clause at the end of the loan.

That clause has since been removed, and according to FC Barcelona at least, the loan has been agreed and Suárez is on his way to London. Arsenal now have, as is the norm, the option to purchase Suárez at the end of the loan spell this summer, should he work out well at the club and fit in with Unai Emery’s long-term plans.

Suárez did just extend his contract with Barcelona prior to going out on loan, so it’s not an automatic that he’ll be an Arsenal player in September, but if he ends up making a positive contribution to Arsenal I wouldn’t be surprised if they bought him outright.

We talked a bit yesterday about what Suárez brings to the club, and despite the fact that he’s not a defender, which Arsenal need many of right now, he also brings a bit more competition for places, which is never a bad thing.

No news on whether he’ll be available for selection this weekend, but either way, welcome to London, Denis Suárez!