Arsenal are planning talks between Raul Sanllehi and Kia Joorabchian in the coming days over the potential transfer of Philippe Coutinho, according to reports.

Mundo Deportivo report that contact should begin between Raul Sanllehi and Kia Joorabchian – agent to Philippe Coutinho – in the coming days. The footballer wants a return to the Premier League, and believes Arsenal perfectly fit his style.

Mikel Arteta also has faith the player can regain his best level with Arsenal. The price tag of €80m is a huge stumbling block, but the Gunners are willing to push for a move anyway, possibly on a loan basis.

As we know from the quotes we covered earlier today, Bayern Munich don’t plan to activate Coutinho’s purchase clause this summer. They have him on loan at the moment, though he’s out of action after ankle surgery.

As a result, Coutinho will return to Barcelona, where they’re hoping to sell him on for a significant fee. The problem is that there aren’t many clubs out there willing to pay one for him (or anyone) right now. We’re in a pandemic, after all.

If Mundo Deportivo’s report is accurate, we should get some sense of how likely a transfer is after the initial talks take place in the coming weeks.