Unai Emery confirms Arsenal will only sign loan players in January transfer window

Eniola Olayemi

Unai Emery reveals Arsenal can only sign players on loan during the transfer window amid reports they are interested in Barcelona’s Denis Suarez

Unai Emery has ruled out any permanent signings at Arsenal this month, with only loan deals a possibility.

The Arsenal boss said last week he wanted a centre-back and a winger, with an upcoming FA Cup fourth-round tie at home to Manchester United and a Europa League last-32 tie against BATE Borisov next month.

But after spending more than £70m on Bernd Leno, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi, Emery conceded the winter window will be much more frugal from Arsenal.

“We cannot sign anyone permanently,” Emery said ahead of Arsenal’s game against West Ham on Saturday. “Only loan players this January.”

The Arsenal boss says he still “needs performances” from Aaron Ramsey, despite his impending exit at the end of the season.

Barcelona midfielder Denis Suarez is close to signing a deal with Arsenal, according to reports from Sky in Italy.

Emery worked with the former Manchester City player at Sevilla, but said: “I do not know his situation.”

“But I know the club is working for the possibility of players who can help us with this condition (on loan).”

Another of Emery’s former players, Sevilla’s Ever Banega, has also been linked with a move to the Emirates.

The Arsenal boss called him “a very good player”, but told reporters he “cannot say any more”.

He added: “The club is working, telling me each moment different situations can happen. At the moment, I haven’t got any news.”