Report: Arsenal set to complete audacious loan for Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona

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Arsenal are set to complete a deal to sign Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho, according to a report from French outlet L’Equipe.

The Brazilian was out of favour during last season, causing his form to suffer as a result. Although he made 54 appearances, a large number of those came from the bench, restricting him to 11 goals in all competitions.

Coutinho has been at the Nou Camp since signing from Liverpool in January 2018 for a staggering £142 million (BBC Sport).

Now, L’Equipe are suggesting that the man contracted to Barcelona until 2023 will arrive at the Emirates until the end of the 2019/20 campaign.

In the last fortnight, the transfer activity has really ramped up at the Emirates. First, Dani Ceballos arrived on loan from Real Madrid. Then last week Nicolas Pepe was added in a £72 million deal from Lille (BBC Sport).

Coutinho is paid £200,000-a-week at Barcelona, according to Total Sportek. It seems highly likely that some of those wages will be paid by his parent club should he make the switch to Arsenal.

TBR Verdict

Coutinho arriving in London would ensure a remarkable transfer window for the Gunners.

It was anticipated that just a defender, or two, would be on the cards prior to the deadline but it seems as though Unai Emery wants further attacking reinforcements.

A plethora of attacking talent is now in place at the Emirates.

It is abundantly clear, however, that a couple of defensive additions are required and work will continue towards those recruits for certain.

Make no bones about it though, after years of not challenging for silverware, the signing of Coutinho could be the addition that puts Arsenal back on the map.