Coutinho’s representatives at Colney amid rumours linking the Brazilian to Arsenal

Philippe Coutinho’s representatives met with Arsenal officials at London Colney today amid rumours linking the Brazilian with a move to North London, according to British journalist Layth. 

I'm hearing from a trusted source that Philippe Coutinho and his associates have been at London Colney talking to Arsenal today…

— Layth (@laythy29) August 7, 2020

Barcelona are keen on moving the player on and raising funds so that they can recruit their primary transfer targets. They would ideally like to sell Coutinho but are open to a loan deal.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for the player and it is understood that the Blaugrana would be willing to sanction a deal if they received a loan fee of around £9 million. In addition to the loan fee, the Gunners would be expected to cover half of the former Liverpool midfielder’s £240,000 a week wages. All in all, signing Coutinho on loan for the 2020/21 season would set Arsenal back £15 million. 

The North London club recently got in touch with Matt Law of The Telegraph, who had just published an article saying the Gunners were closing in on deals for both Willian and Coutinho, and informed him that they would not be signing the latter on any kind of deal. It was assumed that this was because they were on the verge of bringing Willian to the Emirates on a three year contract. 

Just to be clear. Arsenal this evening insistent they will not sign Coutinho on any kind of deal (because Willian is so likely to happen).

— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) August 5, 2020

Kia Joorabchian, the player’s agent, is still negotiating a move for Coutinho with Arsenal and another Premier League club, according to Gerard Romero of Spanish radio station RAC 1. This update was provided after Arsenal indicated that they were not interested in signing Coutinho.

su agente está negociando con Arsenal y algun otro club de Premier. Pro con Arsenal está hablando, sí

— Gerard Romero (@gerardromero) August 5, 2020

The 28 year old’s agent has close ties with members of the North London club’s hierarchy and this is likely to work in their favour if their interest in the player is genuine.