Arsenal Transfer News: Club inch closer to Belgian winger, Barcelona play hardball over Suarez and more – January 9, 2019

All the Arsenal news and updates in one place.

Arsenal hold talks with Yannick Carrasco's representatives

According to a report from Foot Mercato (h/t Daily Star), Arsenal have made progress in their pursuit of wide forward Yannick Carrasco, one of their prime targets in the ongoing transfer window.

The story suggests that the North London club have held talks with the representatives of the 25-year-old, who currently plays for Dalian Yifang in China.

It has also been reported that Arsenal are likely to make a bid for the Belgian international later this week. This is a welcome move from the Gunners, who have clearly lacked offensive options in the wide areas this season.

Matthijs de Ligt wants to remain put at Ajax at the moment

Arsenal's transfer target Matthijs de Ligt, who plays for Ajax in Dutch football, says he is not aiming for a move in the January window.

The Gunners, who are in desperate need to fill the very visible chunks in their defensive armour, might have to switch their focus elsewhere for now.

"A move will not be happening this transfer window," the 19-year-old told NOS, as reported by the Mirror. "Ajax fans will not have to worry about that."

Barcelona's stand on Arsenal-bound Denis Suarez

According to football expert Guillem Balague, Barcelona will only let midfielder Denis Suarez go if the Gunners agree to purchase him in a permanent deal., as reported by Express Arsenal are more keen on a loan, but according to Balague, the Catalan club have set their ultimatum in terms of the transfer.

Suarez, a versatile midfielder who has struggled to break into Barca's first team, is being looked at as a long-term replacement for Welsh international Aaron Ramsey, whose contract with Arsenal runs down at the end of the season.