Arsenal Never Discussed Coutinho Loan - Emery
Unai Emery is a fan of Barcelona's Philippe Coutinho but says a loan move to Arsenal was never discussed at Emirates Stadium.
Philippe Coutinho has been linked with a Barcelona exit throughout the close season, but Unai Emery insists Arsenal never discussed his potential arrival.
Brazil international Coutinho has seen Antoine Griezmann arrive at Camp Nou, while former Blaugrana favourite Neymar continues to be discussed as a possible target.
There were also claims Arsenal were looking at a temporary deal for the 27-year-old.
It was reported in Spain that Coutinho had turned the approach down, but Emery, while a fan of the player, says no such move was made.
"I like Coutinho as a footballer, but it is another thing that we are interested in him," the Arsenal boss told El Larguero. "We have never talked about Coutinho."
Arsenal were beaten 2-1 by Barcelona in the Joan Gamper Trophy on Sunday, but Coutinho, who recently returned from the Copa America, was an unused substitute for LaLiga's champions.
The Gunners are well stocked in attacking areas, with Nicolas Pepe arriving from Lille in a club-record move to support Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Mesut Ozil.