Arsenal keen on signing Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho

Philippe Coutinho of Bayern Munich chases the ball during a training session at Saebener Strasse training ground. Photo: M. Donato/FC Bayern via Getty Images

Arsenal are closing in on the loan signing of Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho, according to a report.

The Brazil international has spent this season on loan with Bayern Munich and
supposedly remains unwanted by Barca, who are hoping to offload him on a permanent basis.

However, with a lack of bidders for the 28-year-old, Spanish outlet Sport claims that the Catalan giants are prepared to sanction another loan switch.

Arsenal are known to be interested in signing Coutinho and have close ties with his agent Kia Joorabchian, which should work in their favour.

Philippe Coutinho of FC Bayern Muenchen lifts the DFB Cup winners trophy in celebration after the DFB Cup final match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and FC Bayern Muenchen at Olympiastadion. Photo: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

The report indicates that the Gunners are now at an advanced stage in talks with Barca and could make an announcement soon.

As well as bringing in Coutinho, Arsenal are also rumoured to be looking to add  Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey  and out-of-contract Chelsea forward Willian to their squad.