Arsenal are reportedly keen on renewing their interest in Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho having failed to seal a deal for the Brazilian last summer.
The former Liverpool playmaker was linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium throughout the summer as Mikel Arteta and Edu aimed to add more creativity in the centre of the park.
The Gunners did manage to bring in a playmaker from La Liga but it was instead the permanent signing of former loanee Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid.
As a result, Coutinho stayed at the Camp Nou for the first-half of the campaign before then joining Aston Villa on a six-month loan deal in January.
He has enjoyed a bright start to life in the Midlands with two goals and two assists in just four appearances having found the net on his debut against Manchester United - whilst Fichajes are now reporting that the Gunners, alongside Premier League rivals West Ham United, are again interested in a potential move for the midfielder.
Whether that is the case remains to be seen but Arsenal legend Paul Merson has given a glowing verdict on Coutinho having been impressed with his performances alongside Villa teammate Jacob Ramsey since the arrival of Steven Gerrard at Villa Park.
Writing in the Daily Star, he said: “Philippe Coutinho is proving me wrong. I didn’t think he could get back to his level at Aston Villa.
“But he was different class against Leeds [3-3 draw]. He knows what he’s doing before he even gets the ball. He was absolutely unbelievable.
“He will make the players around him better, 100 per cent. If you make runs like Jacob Ramsey makes runs, he will find you.”
Coutinho has just a year-and-a-half remaining on his Barcelona contract and is currently valued at £16.2million by transfermarkt.
Intriguingly, whilst teammate Ramsey has not yet been linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium, the youngster has already admitted his affection for Arsenal.
Taking to Twitter in October 2017, the then teenage midfielder posted a simple message of “Arsenal” accompanied by flame emojis.
The 20-year-old has certainly caught the eye alongside Coutinho this term. He has five goals in the Premier League this term and is valued at £13.5million.
Former Arsenal man Michael Thomas has suggested that he would be ideal for a switch to north London. Speaking to CaughtOffside, he said: “One player I have been really impressed with is Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa. I think he has at least another year there but would love to see him join Arsenal.”
