Coutinho to Arsenal is too far-fetched – Martin Keown

Philippe Coutinho would be “a very exciting signing” for Arsenal, admits Martin Keown, but a deal for the Barcelona playmaker is considered to be “far-fetched”.

The Brazil international has seen rumors surface regarding a shock switch to Emirates Stadium.

Having struggled to prove his worth on the back of a big-money transfer to Camp Nou from Liverpool, and now facing more competition for places in Catalunya, a return to English football has been mooted.

Arsenal have become the latest Premier League side to see a swoop talked up, but Unai Emery has sought to distance himself from the rumors.

Keown is not surprised to see the speculation being played down, with it highly unlikely that the Gunners – who have already invested a club-record £72 million ($88m) fee in Nicolas Pepe – would be able to bring in another high-profile creative influence.

The ex-Arsenal defender told The Mirror;

“It’s a shame to think that it is far-fetched when they could have been real possibilities.

“I would love to see him at Arsenal without a doubt, he is a great talent who has lost his way a bit but I think it is too much to hope for that he ends up at Arsenal.

“He’s a top quality player, the way he breaks from deep-lying midfield positions, his shooting ability – it’s a mystery why it hasn’t gone well for him at Barcelona.

“It would be a very exciting signing.”