Former Liverpool star set for surprising Arsenal move

 

Arsenal are on the cusp of securing the services of Philippe Coutinho on loan from Barcelona, reports L’Equipe. 

 

The 27-year-old was sensational for Brazil at the 2019 Copa America, but Barcelona are prepared to sanction his departure, albeit on loan. 

 

Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool had been linked with a move for the attacker, who departed Liverpool for Barcelona 18 months ago. 

 

However, Arsenal are now rumoured to be closing in on Coutinho’s services on a season-long loan. 

 

The Gunners have been active in the market of late, signing Dani Ceballos, William Saliba and Nicolas Pepe from Real Madrid, Saint-Etienne and Lille, respectively. 

 

Arsenal are also looking to sign another centre-back before Thursday’s 5pm deadline, with Laurent Koscielny on the cusp of a £5m switch to Bordeaux. 

 

Former Liverpool star set for surprising Arsenal move

 

They have recently been rebuffed in moves for Daniele Rugani and Dayot Upamecano, however, but they may yet return to Juventus and RB Leipzig, respectively, before Thursday as they seek to improve. 

 

Coutinho excelled for Brazil at the Copa America as he gained a better WhoScored rating (7.73) than any other player at the competition.