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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Aaron Flanagan

Philippe Coutinho transfer to Arsenal 'done' on season-long loan from Barcelona

Philippe Coutinho's move to Arsenal is a done deal, according to reports in France.

L'Equipe claim that the former Liverpool forward has joined the Gunners on a season-long loan from Barcelona .

However, Coutinho is due to train with Barcelona at Barry University in Florida on Tuesday afternoon, despite the reports.

The latest report goes against what Arsenal boss Unai Emery said over the weekend - claiming that the club had never spoken about signing Coutinho.

When asked about signing Coutinho following Arsenal's clash with Barca, Emery told SER: "We’ve never talked about Coutinho.

"He’s a splendid player, but we haven’t talked about Coutinho at any time."

Coutinho looks set to leave Barcelona on loan this summer (Getty Images)

But the L'Equipe report comes from the journalist who was the first to report Neymar's desire to leave PSG this summer - and reported Barcelona's interest in signing him.

PSG have a vested interest in the deal having shown an desire to land Coutinho earlier this summer.

Coutinho joined Barcelona in January 2018 in a £130.5million (€141.92m) deal, signing contract at the Camp Nou which expires in June 2023.

But he has fallen out-of-favour under manager Ernesto Valverde, leaving him strongly linked with a move away from the club.

Coutinho (left) has been linked with a move to the Emirates with Arsenal (Getty Images)

Speaking last week, Valverde refused to rule out further departures this summer, particularly in midfield.

"There are quite a few players in midfield.

"We'll see if something happens. I don't know if any sales or signings will be completed.

"This year there's more competition."

Barcelona have bought in the highly-talented Frenkie de Jong, who will most likely play a starring role this season alongside the ever present Sergio Busquets and youngster Ruqui Puig also impressing during pre-season.

Coutinho also has to compete for places alongside the likes of Ivan Rakitic, Arthur, Arturo Vidal, Rafinha, Carles Alena and Ousmane Dembele.

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