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Chelsea news: ‘Sarri tried to sign him a couple of times’ - deal backed on one condition
BARCELONA midfielder Denis Suarez would only be a backup option at Chelsea if Maurizio Sarri was to sign him.
Denis Suarez: Chelsea's interest has been long term says Mariner
That is the opinion of ESPN FC pundit and former Arsenal striker Paul Mariner.
Suarez has been linked with a move to Chelsea from Barcelona in recent days.
The 24-year-old has only made one appearance for the La Liga giants this season, in the Copa Del Rey win over C Leonesa last month.
Sarri was reportedly keen on signing Suarez when he was Napoli manager and now looks once again to be keen on the Spaniard.
Maybe he just wants to get him in for cover
Mariner, though, cannot see where Suarez would fit into the Chelsea first team and therefore does not think it would be a good move for the midfielder.
The pundit says the former Manchester City youngster, who made two appearances for the Sky Blues, would only be used as cover for the current Chelsea midfield.
“Sarri’s had him on his radar for a long time,” Mariner said of Suarez.
“When he was at Napoli he tried to sign him a couple of times.
“I don’t know why they need another midfield player. It looks as if they’re flushed in there.
“Maybe he just wants to get him in for cover.
“Sarri knows about him way more than I do.
“I just don’t see how he’s going to get playing time.
“I don’t see it (happening), I’m sorry, no.”
Suarez has made 64 appearances for Barcelona since joining from fellow La Liga outfit Villarreal two years ago, scoring six goals.
His only cap for Spain came in a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2016.