Former Arsenal star Robert Pires has revealed three distinct abilities that make Denis Suarez an outstanding signing for the Gunners. Suarez is yet to make a start since joining on loan from Barcelona in January, and has played just 85 minutes in total across five substitute appearances. Arsenal have an option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season.
On Arsenal loanee Suarez, Pires added: ‘Arsenal are yet to see Suárez’s full potential and they should look to make the deal permanent as soon as possible. He was fantastic at Villarreal and I have full faith he will be able to replicate the same form he showed whilst at the Spanish club, if given the chance. He fits the mould of the type of player that Arsenal look for with our style of football. He’s excellent at dribbling, has superb vision and his overall technique is top class. He’s spent a lot of time working with [Andres] Iniesta which has improved his game massively and they’re very similar in their styles of play.
‘If Arsenal can sign him permanently, I think he can help Arsenal and Emery start to really secure continuous top-four positions again in the Premier League. He’s new to the Premier League and to the country so he’ll need time to settle in, but if he’s given the time then he’ll be an excellent signing for Arsenal.’
Pires has also said that he cannot see Alexis Sanchez making a return to Arsenal. The Chilean has endured a difficult year at Manchester United after leaving the Gunners last January and could leave the Red Devils at the end of the season.
‘It would be very strange to see Arsenal sign Sanchez back in the summer,’ Pires said.
‘I don’t see how it makes sense for either Sanchez or Arsenal after how it ended. There’s no chance Sanchez will return to Arsenal. Sanchez isn’t playing his best football and he is on a lot of money at Manchester Utd which Arsenal are not willing to pay. Sanchez won’t want to come running back to Arsenal with his tail between his legs after having a rough time elsewhere. He will have to hope he returns to form with a fresh chance under [Ole Gunnar] Solskjaer at Manchester United.’
Meanwhile, Pires has urged Arsenal to sign Crystal Palace star Aaron Wan-Bissaka as Hector Bellerin’s replacement this summer and says Denis Suarez would be a valuable permanent addition to the squad. Spanish midfielder Suarez arrived at the Emirates during the January transfer window on a loan deal from Barcelona. The 25-year-old has only made five substitute appearances for Arsenal but Pires says his former club should look to wrap up a permanent deal ‘as soon as possible’. And the Gunners legend also believes Wan-Bissaka is a player worth targeting this summer, particularly with Hector Bellerin struggling with a serious injury.
‘Arsenal should definitely be looking to sign Wan-Bissaka in the summer transfer window,’ Pires told bwinsports. ‘He’s exactly the type of player that would suit the attacking full-back role that Arsenal like to play and he would definitely improve the team next season. [Hector] Bellerín will have a long road to recovery and Arsenal won’t be wanting to rush him back in too quickly. There’s also the chance that his injury will be a recurring one so they need to have another full-back of the same high quality and I think Wan-Bissaka is that player.’