Arsenal are reportedly set to begin talks with Barcelona over a surprising move for midfielder Philippe Coutinho, but do the Gunners need to sign another attacking option?
According to The Mirror, representatives from Arsenal are poised to meet officials from Barca to discuss a loan move for the Brazil international, who has been linked with a return to the Premier League this summer.
But does Unai Emery need another attacking option?
There is no doubt that signing Coutinho would add further firepower to Arsenal’s already dangerous attacking lineup, following the transfer of Nicolas Pepe for a club record fee just a matter of days ago.
Alongside Pepe, Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil to name a few, Coutinho would give the Gunners incredible options going forwards.
However, given their struggles defensively last season, a move for someone who would strengthen that department appears the more sensible option, especially considering Laurent Koscielny’s desire to leave the club.
Emery has already confirmed the signing of centre-back William Saliba from Saint-Etienne this summer, though the 18-year-old will spend the 2019/20 campaign on loan with the Ligue 1 side.
And though a move for Celtic’s Kieran Tierney still appears to be on the cards, perhaps the Gunners should focus their attention on signing another defender in the remaining few days of the summer transfer window, rather than looking at a loan deal for Coutinho.
Arsenal have surprised many this summer with their transfer dealings, however, so a move for the aforementioned pair and potentially another defender cannot be ruled out.
