Unai Emery has insisted that conversations over signing Denis Suarez from FC Barcelona are still in the early stages, amid speculation the Spaniard could join Arsenal this month.

Speaking in his pre-Chelsea press conference on Thursday (via Football.London), Unai Emery responded to questions about Arsenal’s reported pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Denis Suarez. Although he admitted to ‘primitive’ conversations on the subject, he stayed tight-lipped on any further details.

“Conversations with us have been very primitive,” Emery said. “I don’t want to say to you this private conversations with the club.”

According to David Ornstein of the BBC, Raul Sanllehi and Emery are very keen on bringing in Suarez in the current window.

Meanwhile, the Mirror report that Arsenal have held further ‘positive’ talks with Barcelona, and the midfielder is ‘edging closer’ to a move. The 25-year-old, who can also play out wide, is Emery’s ‘first choice target’.

The English outlet claims Arsenal are hoping to complete a loan deal lasting until the summer, before making the transfer permanent for around £18m.

Suarez is certainly not getting much game time with Barcelona. The Spanish international has only made seven appearances this season, for a total of 244 minutes. Nonetheless, he’s scored two goals and won a penalty for his side, which isn’t too bad given the circumstances.

We’ll see if any kind of deal for the player goes through in the next couple of weeks.