Arsenal transfer news: West Ham set to rival Gunners for Denis Suarez deal
ARSENAL’S bid to sign Denis Suarez from Barcelona has hit a snag because West Ham are looking to sign him ahead of their Premier League rivals, according to reports.
Arsenal: Denis Suarez could replace Ramsey says fan
The Gunners want to loan Suarez, 25, until the end of the season before making the deal permanent in the summer because they are struggling to raise the £20million needed to activate his release clause.
And The Sun claim West Ham are now willing to take advantage of that by paying the fee and stealing Suarez from under their noses.
They are reportedly keen on recouping some cash for a player who has spectacularly fallen out of favour at the Nou Camp.
Suarez has played only 17 minutes in La Liga this season and just 221 in all competitions - the majority of those coming in the Copa del Rey.
Suarez is keen to kickstart his career with a move and has worked under Arsenal manager Unai Emery before when the pair were at Sevilla.
Emery is desperate for reinforcements in midfield with Aaron Ramsey set to leave the Emirates when his contract expires at the end of the season.
West Ham are reported to have entered the race to sign Denis Suarez from Barcelona (Image: GETTY)
The Welshman, 28, is expected to join Juventus and has been attracting interest from a host of other clubs in Europe including Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, Suarez could come in as a direct replacement and could even fill in as a winger when required.
The Spaniard has previously spoken in going terms of Emery.
Unai Emery's Arsenal were thought to be leading the chase for Suarez (Image: GETTY)
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Aaron Ramsey is set to leave Arsenal at the end of the season (Image: GETTY)
In 2015 he said: "He is one of the best coaches around. He really gets the best out of us.
"He considers each and every one of his players and alwaysputsthose who are in the best possible shape in his starting line-up.
"I have been playing for him for a year and I am really happy."