Arsenal: Philippe Coutinho the perfect end to a perfect summer

Reports abound that Philippe Coutinho could move to Arsenal in a loan-to-buy move from Barcelona in the coming days. The Brazilian would be the perfect end to what is quickly turning into the perfect summer.

Acquiring a young winger and centre-back in Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba at the start of the transfer window was necessary for Arsenal to move forward. The loan for midfielder Dani Ceballos from Real Madrid solved the dilemma presented by Aaron Ramsey’s free departure to Juventus. Nicolas Pépé’s deal was a relative coup, with Arsenal thought to be financially incapable of consummating the deal with French side Lille. Little more could be reasonably expected, with only days to go until the summer transfer window closes in England.

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Names like left-back Kieran Tierney and Juventus centre-back Daniele Rugani would further solidify the remarkable transfer window for the gunners. But the rumor that tops them all would be truly breathtaking.

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According to reports last week, out of favor Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho could be coming to north London. A £20m loan with an option to purchase would see Arsenal with a new, incredibly vibrant squad ready to mount a top-four challenge. Achieve that, and the club would then be able to purchase Coutinho outright, as well as Dani Ceballos.

The move for Coutinho would be the coup of coups. A vivacious, talented and creative midfielder who simply doesn’t fit in the Barca system as currently constituted. His ability to attack and create would see him spell or even replace Mesut Ozil, giving the club a four-headed attack, not unlike Manchester City or Liverpool. A real renaissance for the team in all facets, but especially in the aspect of the attack.

Coutinho would likely also be capable of playing out wide if necessary, adding depth across the second and third thirds of the pitch. Arsenal would mostly utilize him in the middle of the field alongside Granit Xhaka, Lucas Torreira, Dani Ceballos, Joe Willock or Matteo Guendouzi; Coutinho’s offensive wizardry when offered the proper protection could aid in developing the skills of those around him as well.

That Coutinho could be a Gunner before the transfer window ends would be a complete juxtaposition to the slow beginning Arsenal’s window endured. That he would be at the Emeriates along with the likes of Pépé, Ceballos, Martinelli and (eventually) Saliba is mind-numbing in the extreme.

Arsenal would set themselves up for a top-four push, one that they could certainly be successful in with this newly assembled midfield, and it is not inconceivable that they could be building the makings of a title-winning team. The payoff of such an investment would be profound, reverberating throughout future years, such is the importance of reclaiming Champions League football.

The vision of Edu and Unai Emery is one thing, of which deserves endless praise should this deal go through. The man at the top of this deserved appreciation is, however, neither of these men. Raul Sanllehi has been possessed during this transfer window, and while it began slower than many would have liked, Sanllehi has long since made up for this. He and his ambition helped to bring the visions of Edu and Emery to life. The club has not felt like this in a long time.

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Already, Arsenal could hardly have had a better transfer window. Should they sign Coutinho as well, this would be a truly sensational summer. Who would have thought it just a few weeks ago?

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