Arsenal in advanced talks to sign Barcelona star

Arsenal are reportedly in advanced negotiations with Barcelona to sign Philippe Coutinho on a season-long loan deal.

The Brazilian is currently on loan at Bayern Munich, but he is expected to return to the Blaugrana when their Champions League campaign concludes.

Bayern have no plans of signing Coutinho on a permanent basis and Sport claims that the Gunners have initiated talks with the Blaugrana over a temporary deal for Coutinho.

Coutinho is open to returning to the Premier League this summer and the Gunners are optimistic of getting the deal over the line with technical director Edu holding a close relationship with the player's agent Kia Joorabchian.

Joorabchian was responsible for bringing David Luiz to the Gunners last summer and he is currently in the process of negotiating the free transfer of Willian.

Coutinho has yet to make a decision on his future and it has been reported that his next move won't be made official until after the conclusion of his Bayern loan stint.