Barça coach Koeman stopped Coutinho's move to Arsenal in summer

Philippe Coutinho's return to form has been one of the positives of Barcelona's start to the new season. After a season on loan at Bayern Munich, Coutinho's returned to Barcelona completely changed, committed to Ronald Koeman's new project and in good form. However, his future at Camp Nou was not clear at the start of the summer. 

After his spell with Bayern, Coutinho was very close to joining Arsenal in the transfer window. According to British tabloid The Sun, the London club were negotiating to buy the Brazil international, who had a good season in the Bundesliga, but Koeman's appointment at Barça changed everything. 

Koeman put the brakes on Coutinho's exit. He argued that it would be tough to find a replacement with enough quality for him due to the club's financial problems. Coutinho's desire was to stay at the club and take advantage of a second chance. 

The decision, so far, seems to have paid off. Coutinho's been a key player in Koeman's team. He has scored two goals in five appearances this season and is in line to start the Clasico on Saturday against Real Madrid.