Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Philippe Coutinho and Alex Iwobi Rumours

Barcelona have suffered a big blow in their pursuit of Liverpool forward Philippe Coutinho, as reports have emerged that the Reds are confident of keeping their star man.

Fred Nathan of the Sun wrote that the Brazilian doesn’t have a buyout clause in his contract at Anfield, which means Liverpool are in the driving seat in the event of a bid from the Catalan giants.

Coutinho has been in exemplary from so far in the 2016/17 campaign, linking up with fellow forwards Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino to devastating effect.

Naturally, his performances have brought about plenty of praise, including from journalist Fabrizio Romano:

Coutinho is the most versatile star of the trio, which means he’d be able to drop into a deeper role for Barca and not interrupt the dynamic front three of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.

However, Barcelona have a real task on their hands luring the 24-year-old to the Camp Nou, as only a truly astronomical bid would be accepted by Liverpool.

Coutinho recently penned a bumper new deal at Anfield that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2020, and unless Barca really twist Jurgen Klopp’s arm and splash the cash, he won't be going anywhere.

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Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be interested in the Liverpool playmaker.

Elsewhere, Barcelona may also have to back to the drawing board in their quest to land Arsenal winger Alex Iwobi, as the youngster has seemingly pledged his future to the Gunners.

The Nigerian’s father Chuka Iwobi told AfricanFootball.com that if any club came calling, they’d be swiftly turned away (h/t Mark Brus of Metro):

"

At this point in time, he is at the right place. He’s doing well at Arsenal, but should any club come for him now, the answer would certainly be no.

For him now, it’s not about the money. So, should a club like Barcelona come with more money, he will certainly stay back at Arsenal because now it is not about him making money, it’s about him concentrating on his career, progressing and going on to the next stage.

[...]

I see him being with Arsenal for very many, many years.

"

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The 20-year-old in enjoying a coming-of-age season at the Emirates, having broken into the first team and put together a series of excellent performances.

He’s set to be a permanent fixture in Arsenal’s lineup for years to come, and once again, Barcelona may well need to look elsewhere for a new exciting forward.

Barca have started the season in fine fettle, although it’s building for the future that will have some fans slightly concerned.

Manager Luis Enrique will be looking to draft several young talents over the coming transfer windows to ensure the club remain successful for the remainder of the decade and beyond, but he’ll have to shop around.