Philippe Coutinho: The Brazilian has failed to earn a regular spot in Barcelona's starting XI
Philippe Coutinho: The Brazilian has failed to earn a regular spot in Barcelona's starting XI

Philippe Coutinho transfer latest: Barcelona man turns down loan move to Tottenham as Arsenal take over as favourites to sign him


Arsenal are favourites to sign Philippe Coutinho after a move to Tottenham fell through, but he's expected to stay and fight for his place at Barcelona.

The Gunners are the even money favourites to sign the former Liverpool star after he rejected the chance to play at the new Spurs stadium on loan next season.

The Brazilian is thought to want either a permanent move away from Camp Nou or will remain in Barcelona and try to fight for his place in the squad, despite new arrival Antoine Griezmann and continued talk of a shock return for Neymar.

Coutinho's £140m move from Anfield has not quite gone to plan, and he is by no means guaranteed playing time at Barca in the coming season, with the Spaniards happy to let him talk to Premier League clubs about a return to England.

Former club Liverpool haven't expressed any interest in bringing Coutinho back to Merseyside, leaving north London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham as his only options - although both clubs preferred a loan move to a permanent switch.

With the Gunners also unable to offer Champions League football, Coutinho is set to remain in Barcelona, barring any deadline day offers from other clubs, to try and force his way back into the starting XI.

Listen for free to our new weekly Premier League podcast, as we preview the new season
Listen for free to our new weekly Premier League podcast, as we preview the new season

Spurs still in for Lo Celso & Dybala

Perhaps responding to the news Coutinho had rejected them, Tottenham have made a fresh bid for Real Betis playmaker Giovani Lo Celso, believed to be around £55m.

The Spanish side have already brought in Lyon's French World Cup winner Nabil Fekir as a direct replacement for Lo Celso, but are still wanting around £65m to do a deal with Tottenham.

Tottenham are also still trying to work out a deal for Paulo Dybala after agreeing on a fee of £70m for the Juventus forward, with the main sticking point now being his wage demands and image rights.

Manchester United failed to garner an agreement with Dybala when they held talks for a potential move to Old Trafford, and it remains to be seen if Daniel Levy and Spurs can succeed in luring the Argentinian to north London.

(video no longer available)


Deadline Day with Sporting Life

The transfer window shuts in England at 1700 BST on Thursday, August 8.

Keep across all the latest rumours and done deals on deadline day with our live blog on sportinglife.com/football and on Twitter with live updates and transfers as they happen.


Odds correct as of 1609 BST on 07/08/19

Follow Sporting Life on social media - find us on Facebook here or tweet@SportingLifeFC

Related football links

Like what you've read?

MOST READ FOOTBALL

Join for Free
Image of stables faded in a gold gradientGet exclusive Willie Mullins insight, plus access to premium articles, expert tips and Timeform data, plus more...
Log in
Discover Sporting Life Plus benefitsWhite Chevron
Sporting Life Plus Logo

FOOTBALL TIPS