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Unai Emery Dismisses Philippe Coutinho, Arsenal Rumours; Talks Dani Ceballos
August 5, 2019
Arsenal manager Unai Emery has dismissed speculation linking the club with a move for Philippe Coutinho.
Coutinho's future at the Camp Nou has been the subject of plenty of rumours of late, as the Brazilian has struggled for form since his move from Liverpool in January 2018.
Arsenal are one of the clubs who have been linked with the player. When asked about the possible transfer, Emery said he was an admirer of the midfielder but denied any talks had been held with Barcelona regarding the switch.
"We've never talked about Coutinho," he told Cadena Ser (h/t Chris Burton of Goal). "He's a splendid player, but we haven't talked about Coutinho at any time."
Despite the consistent speculation regarding a possible departure for Coutinho, as yet there are no imminent signs he will be sold by Barcelona:
Sport Witness questioned the links between the Brazilian and the Premier League side:
According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Sam McEvoy of the MailOnline), Coutinho is not open to joining another club on loan and will only agree to a Barcelona exit if a permanent sale is agreed.
The Gunners have made a couple of exciting additions in the transfer market already. Arsenal broke their transfer record to sign Nicolas Pepe from Lille, while Dani Ceballos has joined on loan from Barcelona's La Liga rivals Real Madrid.
Emery was also asked about the kind of impact he expects Ceballos to have at the Emirates Stadium this season.
"Dani comes to contribute his qualities," said Emery. "What I like most is the desire he is putting in and the hunger with which he comes. We will try to help him take a step forward as soccer player."
Ceballos impressed when Arsenal took on Barcelona in Sunday's friendly encounter, but Spanish football writer Colin Millar thinks the young midfielder can expect some rough treatment in the Premier league this term:
With Ceballos, Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan all set to scrap for attacking-midfield spots at Arsenal next season, there doesn't appear to be too much of a necessity to bring in Coutinho on loan.
The Brazilian was exceptional at Liverpool in the Premier League. He provided creativity, flair and a major goal threat from distance for the Reds:
Those positive traits have rarely been seen in Barcelona colours. Manager Ernesto Valverde has given the midfielder chances, but he's failed to make his mark on matches on a regular basis, that despite having Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez alongside him in attack.
Given his struggles at the Camp Nou, a move away from Barcelona would potentially help reignite Coutinho's career. However, at this stage it appears unlikely he'll be making a move to the Emirates Stadium.