EPL: Arsenal’s first January signing set to arrive North London

Former Liverpool star, Philippe Coutinho is all but set to arrive Arsenal after manager Mikel Arteta gave the green light to pursue the deal, according to Sport.

The player’s representatives are travelling to London to conclude talks with the Gunners, according to the report.

Coutinho left Liverpool in January 2018, joining Barcelona for £142 million but has failed to meet expectations.

The 29-year-old’s time at Barcelona has been blighted by injuries, constant changing of managers and a loss of form.

The former Liverpool star became available for transfer, with Arsenal in pole position to bring the Brazilian back to England.

And the report says he is one step closer to joining Arsenal after Arteta gave approval for a transfer to go on.

Spanish newspaper Sport said that the player’s entourage is headed to the English capital, with the hope of receiving a ‘firm loan offer’ from Mikel Arteta’s side.

Arteta was said to have given the club’s board a resounding yes when approving the arrival of Coutinho.

It is believed that the North London club would pay only part of the midfielder’s mega-money wages, with Barcelona still contributing to his £150,000 per-week salary.