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Arsenal transfer news: Unai Emery eyes ambitious raid for £28.5m-rated Pablo Fornals
ARSENAL are eyeing Villarreal star Pablo Fornals, according to reports.
Arsenal: Transfers are 'difficult' this season says Emery
Unai Emery is desperate to draft in fresh faces before the transfer deadline on Thursday.
Barcelona ace Denis Suarez and Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic have been touted as likely arrivals.
But, according to The Sun, Emery is eyeing another left-field option.
It’s suggested he’s keeping an eye on Fornals, 22, who is impressing in a poor Villarreal side.
The twice-capped Spain international has a tantalising £28.5m release clause.
Given the current market conditions, his asking price isn’t deemed outrageous.
However, a move this month looks unlikely with Arsenal suffering cash-flow issues.
Emery is wheeling and dealing to get Suarez and Perisic over the line.
Nevertheless, both acquisitions are expected to be loan deals with Arsenal decision makers reluctant to release funds for permanent deals.
Express Sport understand a temporary move with a view to a permanent transfer is edging forward for Suarez.
Barca will also offer the ex-Sevilla ace a new contract as they look to protect his value.
Perisic, meanwhile, appears on the way out at the San Siro.
Inter boss Luciano Spalletti says he’s keen to get rid.
"Perisic, it's simple,” he said.
“As I said yesterday, players can say what they want.
“Of course they're at the club, they're paid by us, so you need to have a buyer.
“He cannot go away for free.
“If he does not want to play as Marotta said, it is clear that he will stay out (of the team).
“There are no problems.
“But when one cannot make a contribution, it helps to get rid of them.”
Perisic has previously explained that he wants to test himself in the English top flight.
Manchester United were vying for his services in the summer.
Since the dismissal of Jose Mourinho it’s understood they are no longer considering a move.