New report claims what ‘magical player’ Arsenal allegedly want has told his confidants

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Reported Arsenal target Philippe Coutinho wants to stay at Barcelona, according to Sport.

It has been reported by the Spanish publication this morning (11:34 CEST/10:34 UK time) that Coutinho is back in training at Barcelona ahead of schedule.

The report has added the Brazil international – who can operate as an attacking midfielder or as a winger, is optimistic about his future at Barcelona and ‘is desperate’ to prove himself under new head coach Ronald Koeman.

It has been further added that the former Liverpool star ‘has told those closest to him that he’s ready to start with a clean slate under new manager Koeman’.

Blow for Arsenal?

This will come as a blow for Arsenal, with the North London outfit having been linked with Coutinho – described as “a magical player” by his former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers in The Daily Record in January 2018.

In August, Bleacher Report claimed that the 28-year-old could make a move to Arsenal towards the end of the summer transfer window.

Sport reported in August of interest from the Gunners in taking the former Liverpool star to the Emirates Stadium (click here to read more).

However, with Willian having recently been signed on a free transfer and Mesut Ozil still at the club, Arsenal may not actually need Coutinho.