Philippe Coutinho to Arsenal rumours silenced by Unai Emery who insists no talks over transfer have taken place – The Sun
UNAI EMERY has dashed talk of Arsenal pulling off a sensational loan swoop for Philippe Coutinho.
And the Gunners boss insists a potential move for Barcelona’s Brazilian has not been “talked about at any time” despite the speculation.
Reports emerged in Spain over the weekend that the La Liga giants had offered the out of favour attacker to an unnamed Premier League outfit on loan for £27m.
That led to claims Arsenal were eyeing a deal to bring the ex-Liverpool ace back to England.
The bookies quickly made the North London side favourites for Coutinho’s signature as rumours claimed talks between the two clubs would take place after their friendly at the Nou Camp last night.
However, after Barcelona had defeated his team 2-1, Emery moved to end the transfer talk.
He said: “We’ve never talked about Coutinho.
“He’s a splendid player, but we haven’t talked about Coutinho at any time.”
UNCERTAIN FUTURE
The 27-year-old South American was an unused sub against the Gunners with his future remaining uncertain.
Coutinho left Liverpool for Barca in 2018 but has struggled to replicate his Anfield form since his arrival for £142million.
The La Liga side are willing to let him go this summer, but despite interest from Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea, he looked set to stay after being interested parties were priced out of a deal.
Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are also believed to be keen on the former Inter Milan forward.
But fresh reports in Mundo Deportivo claim Coutinho has no interest in leaving the Nou Camp on loan.
Instead, he wants to stay and fight for his place in the starting XI if Barca fail to get Neymar back from PSG.
He is now expected to travel with his Barca team-mates to America for two friendlies against Napoli ahead of their La Liga opener at Athletic Bilbao on August 16.
Arsenal begin their Prem campaign with a trip to Newcastle on Sunday.
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