Barcelona’s shock move for 31-year-old Kevin-Prince Boateng releases Denis Suarez to join Arsenal, according to reports.

VALENCIA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 07: Denis Suarez of Barcelona arrives for the La Liga match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Mestalla on October 7, 2018 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
VALENCIA, SPAIN – OCTOBER 07: Denis Suarez of Barcelona arrives for the La Liga match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Mestalla on October 7, 2018, in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)

After spells with the likes of Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Schalke, Boateng’s career appeared to be winding down after he joined bottom-half Serie A side Sassuolo last year. However, in a surprising twist, the Ghana international is now joining Barcelona.

Fabrizio Romano, of the reliable Di Marzio, reported early on Monday that Boateng was ‘really close’ to Barcelona. The move has since been confirmed by the club.

https://twitter.com/fcbarcelona/status/1087445264363913217?s=21

As a result, Nicolo Schira reports that Denis Suarez will be released to Arsenal. Like Suarez, Boateng can play as a midfielder or a forward, so he replaces the 25-year-old as a backup option in Barcelona’s squad.

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Hopefully, this means we’ll start to see some rapid progress in the Suarez deal. Reports in Spain suggest the move is now ‘imminent’, and it could be done early this week. If that’s the case, the player could be available for the squad against Manchester United or the following game against Cardiff City.

Suarez was left out of Barcelona’s squad to face Leganes over the weekend, as an exit edges nearer, but he’s been playing well for them in brief appearances recently. The Spaniard just needs more time on the pitch.

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