Arsenal manager dreams of signing Barcelona playmaker

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly keen on landing the services of Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona during the next transfer window.

Coutinho is presently on loan with Bayern Munich where he has fared impressively with nine goals and eight assists in all competitions.

He is still expected to return to the Camp Nou during the off-season, given the German side have decided against the option to buy him permanently.

According to Le 10 Sport, the Gunners boss dreams of working with the Brazilian, who previously spent six years with league rivals Liverpool.

It is added that north London outfit plan to make contact with the player's agent Kia Joorabchian regarding the possibility of a summer move.

Gunners technical director Edu has a good association with Joorabchian and that could enhance the club's prospects of signing Coutinho.

Still, the Blaugrana's asking price of more than £70m should prove a major stumbling block under the current financial situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The club may propose a season-long loan agreement with the option to buy. It is unclear whether the Blaugrana would accept such a proposal.