Reports in England insist Arsenal remain interested in Barça's Coutinho

Arsenal remain interested in signing Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho, according to various reports in England. The Gunners have been keen on signing him throughout the summer and could yet make a move for him before the Oct. 5 transfer deadline. 

Coutinho spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich but has returned to Barça, where he has done preseason. He has played in all three friendlies under Ronald Koeman and is set to start against Villarreal this weekend. 

However, that could change with Arsenal re-activating their interest in the Brazilian. Bayern turned down an option to make their loan permanent in the summer. 

Coutinho's first spell at Barcelona was complicated. The 160 million euros spent on him weighed him down and he didn't deliver as he had done at Liverpool. 

However, new coach Koeman is prepared to give him a second chance after a decent spell at Bayern. He even scored twice in the German side's 8-2 win over Barça. 

Despite that, Arsenal feel Barça's financial problems means they will be prepared to listen to offers for a number of players in their squad and may even accept another loan. 

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has already brought in Willian, Gabriel Magalhaes and Dani Ceballos this summer but is still keen to bolster his squad.