Arsenal's close links with Philippe Coutinho's agent as he looks for next transfer

Philippe Coutinho is set to be on the lookout for his next club with Bayern Munich reportedly opting against making his loan deal permanent.

According to Bild, the Bavarian giants have decided they will not be activating their purchase option with the Brazilian failing to make a major impact since his temporary switch from Barcelona.

Coutinho was linked with a return to the Premier League prior to his Bayern Munich switch, with a host of clubs including Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea touted as possible destinations, as well as a stunning return to Liverpool.

Given his success with the Reds followed by his failings in La Liga and the Bundesliga, there are obvious signs pointing towards a potential move back to England.

And whilst there is no indication as of yet as to where he could end up, links have emerged which could point towards Arsenal as a possible destination.

Coutinho's agent is well-known Iranian businessman Kia Joorabchian, a lifelong Arsenal fan best known for bringing Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano to West Ham.

He considered investing in the club in the past but was kept on the periphery by the Arsene Wenger regime, who were keen to avoid being caught up with super-agents.

But the new era without Wenger has opened the door for Joorabchian, with thanks to his close friendship with their former player, Edu Gasper.

According to The Athletic, it was Joorabchian who brokered the deal for Edu to become their technical director, whilst he was crucial in the shock deadline day move to sign David Luiz from local rivals Chelsea in the summer.

With close links to the man who is vital to Arsenal's new transfer policy, his influence behind the scenes appears to be on the ascendancy with their move for Layvin Kurzawa.

Their move for the Paris Saint-Germain full-back came out of the blue, before it later emerged he has signed with Joorabchian's agency ahead of a move which he is expected to make on a free transfer in the summer.

Whilst there is yet to be any indication of Coutinho moving to the Gunners, he will be eyeing a fresh start and the Premier League would represent a chance for him to rebuild his reputation after a miserable spell.

Joorabchian is expected to have increasing influence on the club thanks to his links with Edu, which could bring Coutinho into play at the end of the season when he ponders his options alongside his agent.