Arsenal are considering a loan bid for Barcelona attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho, according to reports. The Gunners are said to be planning to have a meeting with Barca officials when the two sides meet in a friendly on Sunday.
Head of Football Operations Raul Sanllehi is a former Barcelona director and is on good terms with the Catalan club’s hierarchy. Even so, a move for Coutinho is a long shot, but it hasn’t stopped some fans getting excited on Twitter:
What a deal it will be for gunners
— kelvin spartan?? (@kelvin63939990) 3 August 2019
Lmao… Arsenal chiefs are out of control and I’m here for it
— C.H.I.J.I.O.K.E (@Cjay__o) 3 August 2019
If Mkhi and Iwobi leave then its a good deal.
— Abdullah Khan (@KHANtheGUNNER) 3 August 2019
Can he play CB
— Optimistic Futurist (@moe_official10) 3 August 2019
COYG… Make this deal happen please!?
— Akram El Arabi (@iam_whytes) 3 August 2019
This 100% can’t be true he’s too short for a centre back
— MattJS (@listenoldchap) 3 August 2019
This will be a breakthrough and ultimate signal for a top 4 finish. We have been punished for too long and just getting the acts together at the Emirate. CB still vital and we must get a quality defender to support the offensive efforts.
— Jide Taiwo (@jtaiwo2000) 3 August 2019
A few supporters are questioning the credibility of the rumours:
Most probably this isn’t going to happen
— Mohamed (@MohamedEladawy_) 3 August 2019
Absolutely no chance! Hth
— Jaedon Taylor (@jaedontaylor07) 2 August 2019
No chance we need defenders big time
— dan ings (@danings1) 2 August 2019
Reports in the Catalan media do suggest that a loan move to the Premier League is the likeliest outcome for Coutinho this summer. With Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp having ruled out a move, and Chelsea unable to sign players, it leaves just four Premier League teams as viable destinations.
Manchester United have been linked with Coutinho this summer but their move for Paulo Dybala would likely rule them out, leaving Manchester City, Tottenham and the Gunners as the likeliest candidates.