Emery doesn't rule out Suarez capture, would like a center-back

Signing Denis Suarez may not be the only piece of business Arsenal conduct in January.

Unai Emery, who is overseeing his second transfer window at the Gunners' helm, was quiet on speculation that Barcelona outcast Suarez will move to north London this month, but did indicate that he would like another center-back in his ranks.

A report earlier this weekend claimed talks were already underway between Arsenal and Barcelona over a Suarez deal, but Emery said on Saturday that he didn't have any news on a potential transfer. He did, however, say he could do with a winger in his squad, and that Suarez fulfilled that role on either side when he managed the player at Sevilla.

Arsenal's backline has been an area of concern this season. Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis Papastathopoulos haven't been overly convincing in the center of defense, but have featured regularly while the likes of Rob Holding and Laurent Koscielny nurse injuries. The latter was picked to start in Saturday's FA Cup clash with Blackpool but was withdrawn from the matchday squad after suffering a back issue during the pre-match warm-up.

Relief to Arsenal's rearguard is coming soon, with Greek defender Konstantinos Mavropanos being integrated into full training following a groin injury. The 21-year-old last appeared for the club in a friendly against Lazio in early August.

"If the transfer market can help us find a center-back, the possibility to bring them in is not easy because we also have Mavropanos coming back from injury," Emery said.

Arsenal beat Blackpool 3-0 at Bloomfield Road, putting their name in the hat for Monday's FA Cup fourth-round draw. Emery's side faces West Ham United next Saturday in the Premier League.