OFFICIAL: Denis Suarez seals Arsenal loan switch after extending Barca deal

The Spain international midfielder has linked up with the Gunners on an initial agreement which will run through to the end of the 2018-19 campaign

Denis Suarez has completed his loan move to Arsenal after extending his contract at Barcelona through to 2021.

Despite penning fresh terms at Camp Nou, the deal which has taken the 25-year-old to Emirates Stadium includes the option for Gunners to push through a permanent transfer in the summer.

Everything is now official, with Suarez linking up with the Gunners on an initial agreement through to the end of the 2018-19 campaign.

Emery told Arsenal's website on bringing in a familiar face: “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.”

Suarez has already said his goodbyes to those at Camp Nou, with an emotional message posted on social media prior to the announcement of his departure.

He said: “You’re a group of amazing people! Thank you for everything, see you soon. Good luck and Força Barça.”

Suarez has been brought in by Arsenal to compete for playing time in attacking midfielder berths with Alex Iwobi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who is currently sidelined with a foot injury. 

He arrives in north London having made a total of 71 appearances for Barca since re-joining the club in 2016, but having been used sparingly this term.

71 games, 8 goals and five trophies

The Galician midfielder puts an end to his second spell at Barça after featuring for Barça B in the 2013/14 season and for the first team since the summer of 2016. After loan spells with Sevilla and Villarreal, Barça exercised the buy-back clause in his contact for him to return to Camp Nou.

In total, Denis Suárez played 71 goals official matches in three seasons with the first team at FC Barcelona. He managed to score 8 goals and has won five trophies: a league, two Copas del Rey and two Spanish Super Cups. With Barça B he made 36 appearances.