Arsenal have reportedly informed Barcelona they have no interest in signing Philippe Coutinho on loan, as their focus for the rest of the summer transfer window is on adding a defender.
According to the Guardian's Fabrizio Romano, Coutinho's representatives reached out to the Gunners. COPE's Helena Condis (h/t AS' Robbie Dunne) clarified it was part of a bigger play by the Catalan club, who contacted several Premier League sides.
Monday's speculation started in France, whereL'Equipe's Bilel Ghazi reported the loan deal was close:
The Brazil international has been the subject of near-constant speculation throughout the summer after 18 inconsistent months in Catalonia.