Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Barcelona boss makes transfer claim that Arsenal and Tottenham fans will want to hear
BARCELONA manager Ernesto Valverde has hinted at the departures of two players wanted in the Premier League.
Unai Emery: Arsenal is working on different transfer possibilities
Denis Suarez and Malcom are being tracked by Arsenal and Tottenham respectively.
The Gunners are keen to land out-of-favour Suarez on a loan deal until the rest of the season.
His arrival could coincide with Aaron Ramsey joining Juventus this month rather than at the end of the campaign.
Spurs are said to be interested in Malcom as a possible short-term solution to the absence of Harry Kane, who has been ruled out for two months.
There are always possibilities for departures
And with neither player getting much action at the Nou Camp, Valverde has hinted that both could leave before the month is out.
“We are happy with the squad but there are always possibilities for departures for those who maybe do not feature as often,” Valverde said when asked about the pair.
“Those players could stay here and we would be happy or they could leave in search of more opportunities.
“We will evaluate all possibilities for them.
Arsenal: Barcelona signing could lead to Suarez deal says fan
“We work internally and there is a lot of planning involved of which I am a part, but we will see how the market progresses.”
Barcelona spent £146m on Philippe Coutinho’s arrival from Liverpool last winter.
But no mega-money transfers are expected this month.
Instead, the club are waiting for Valverde to decide whether or not he will remain at Barca past this season.
The manager has an option to extend his contract past the summer for a further year.
Barca seem happy for him to do that but want an answer by February - in case they need to plan a new appointment.
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with the role - although Manchester United are the frontrunners for his signature.
Out-of-work manager Arsene Wenger is also seeking employment and may be approached.
Antonio Conte, Laurent Blanc and Germany manager Joachim Low have also been mooted as possible targets.