Football news - Arsenal complete Denis Suarez loan signing

The 25-year-old midfielder had been linked with a temporary switch to the Emirates Stadium for much of the January transfer window and Unai Emary has finally signed the player.

Suarez extended his Camp Nou contract before heading for the Emirates.

“FC Barcelona and Denis Suárez have reached an agreement for the extension of the player’s contract with the club, which ended on 30 June 2020, until 30 June 2021,” said Barcelona in a statement.

“FC Barcelona have also agreed a loan deal for Suarez with Arsenal for the remainder of the 2018/19 season. The Premier League club will pay the player’s salary during this time and the agreement includes an option to buy.”

Arsenal head coach Emery, who worked with the player during his spell at Sevilla, said on the club website: “We are very happy that Denis Suarez is joining us. He is a player we know well and I have worked with him at Sevilla.

“He brings us quality and options in many different attacking positions, so he’ll be able to help the team.”

Earlier on Thursday morning, the 25-year-old had posted a picture of himself with Barcelona team-mates on his personal Twitter account and said: “You’re a group of amazing people! Thank you for everything, see you soon. Good luck and Forca Barca.”

Arsenal kept up the pressure on the Premier League top four with victory over Cardiff on Tuesday night as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette struck in a 2-1 win.

Suarez had found himself on the fringes of the Barcelona side this season, having last featured in a La Liga match before Christmas.

“I’ve been pushing hard to come here. I’m finally here now and I’m really pleased,” he said on the Arsenal website.

“I’ve come here to play as much as possible and try to help the team qualify for the Champions League.

“I’d like to win the Europa League with Arsenal too – why not? It’s a trophy I won under Unai Emery at Sevilla and I’d love to win it again here.”

Arsenal could hand Suarez a debut in Sunday’s Premier League match at Manchester City.