Arsenal are in the best position of all the teams chasing a summer move for FC Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho, according to reports in Spain.

Mundo Deportivo report that Arsenal are ‘best placed’ to sign Philippe Coutinho this summer, with the player keen on a return to the Premier League. Kia Joorabchian is working on such a return and held negotiations with Arsenal’s Raul Sanllehi over the player.

One of the biggest stumbling blocks is the nature of a potential deal. Whilst Arsenal might like a loan deal, Barcelona are far more keen on a sale. Particularly after this season’s loan to Bayern, which didn’t result in a permanent sale.

The Gunners are willing to offer Matteo Guendouzi in some kind of exchange deal, but MD report that Barcelona don’t want the Frenchman.

There are other clubs in the race, too. The likes of Leicester City and Newcastle United are keen, though no one is ‘taking the final step’.

It’s unlikely Barcelona resolve Coutinho’s future before the end of his loan to Bayern. The German club play in the Champions League in August. It’s even more unlikely Arsenal make a serious offer before the FA Cup final this weekend.