Barcelona boss Koeman tells Coutinho he is part of his plans for next season

Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman has told Philippe Coutinho he is a part of his plans for next season, according to Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo.

The former Netherlands manager called Coutinho to congratulate him on his Champions League victory with Bayern Munich. During the call, he made it clear to the Brazilian that he would play a significant role at the Camp Nou in the upcoming campaign. 

Before Koeman’s appointment as Barcelona head coach, Arsenal were strongly linked with a loan move for the 28 year old. The Spanish giants seemed to be desperate to move him on and offered him to a host of clubs in Europe including Arsenal.

The Gunners indicated that they were not interested in signing the former Liverpool midfielder as they had already secured a deal for Willian but rumours continued to link them with the Brazilian. Kia Joorabchian, the player’s agent, has close ties to members of the Arsenal hierarchy and it was believed that if Coutinho were to move, the North London club would be an obvious choice.

The plan at Barcelona seems to have changed drastically since their 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter final and it looks like Coutinho will be given another opportunity to be a success at the Catalan club.