Arsenal signing Denis Suarez reveals Hector Bellerin talks ahead of transfer

New Arsenal signing Denis Suarez has revealed Hector Bellerin's role in his move to north London.

The Barcelona midfielder joined the Gunners on loan until the end of the season on deadline day after the two clubs agreed on a £2.1million fee. Arsenal will pay a further £20million in the summer should they decide to make the move permanent.

Suarez's arrival has been on the cards for much of the January window, and he revealed his compatriot reached out to him before a deal had been struck.

"I’ve spoken to Hector. He wrote me a message when the rumours started to come out in the press about me joining Arsenal," Suarez told the club website after the deal was confirmed.

"I hope he can recover as soon as possible. It’s a shame that he’s injured because I’d love to play with him, but I’m sure he’ll be back soon."

On Thursday it was confirmed that Bellerin, who suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament during the recent win over Chelsea, had undergone successful surgery ahead of his rehabilitation.