Barcelona midfielder Denis Suarez is close to joining Arsenal, a deal which insiders believe will cost the Gunners £20m.

The 24-year-old played under Unai Emery at Sevilla during the 2014/2015 season and the Arsenal boss is said to be a keen admirer of the player.

Suarez has previously been the subject of interest from clubs in Italy, including AC Milan and Roma.

It is understood Emery is keen to work with Suarez once more and the player would be happy to reunite with his former coach.

Suárez, who spent two years at Manchester City as an academy player between 2011 and 2013. He was unable to force his way into the first team and left for Barcelona in 2013.

The midfielder played for Emery on loan at Sevilla before signing for Villarreal in August 2015, but Barcelona bought him back less than a year later for €3.5m.

The Spaniard has played 46 league matches for Barcelona in two and a half seasons but never been able to hold down a regular starting place.