In the last couple of days, there have been reports linking Arsenal with a loan deal for Barcelona’s Brazilian star Philippe Coutinho.
But according to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, the London club has denied that there is an agreement in place to bring the player to the Emirates.
The North London club it seems have categorically denied that this deal is happening but the publication also made it known that the Gunners had not refused their interest in Coutinho.
They also go on to say that the most likely destination for Coutinho if he were to leave would be France in the form of PSG. He could be used as a makeweight in the deal to bring Neymar back to Barcelona and is thought to be one of the players that the Catalans are offering in exchange for Neymar.
If Arsenal were to somehow actually go and get Coutinho, it would be quite an interesting deal. He is not really the type of player that the club needs at this point but there is no doubt that he will be able to add a lot to the squad. The fact that he has already proven himself in the Premier League would mean that he will fit in at the Emirates seamlessly.
The Gunners play Barcelona today in the final of the Joan Gamper Cup. If they are serious about a move for the Brazilian, this would be the best time to get the deal across the line. Of course, it remains to be seen how they will be able to find the finances needed to secure a deal for Coutinho.
The most plausible scenario is that if Coutinho were to join the Gunners, there is every chance that the London club could be selling one of their attackers. This will give them the funds to sign the Brazilian but also free up some space in the squad that will be needed to accommodate him.
We are not very far away from the deadline of the transfer window so Arsenal will have to be quick. The pre season game against Barcelona presents the perfect opportunity to put their case forward and convince the Brazilian to join them.
