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FC Barcelona transfer news: Philippe Coutinho could still sign, Mesut Ozil back-up option
BARCELONA still want to complete a deal to sign Philippe Coutinho.
Philippe Coutinho and Mesut Ozil are on Barcelona's radar
The Spanish giants spent all summer trying to lure Coutinho from Liverpool with three bids made.
Kop chiefs turned them all down and were adamant that the Brazilian was going nowhere.
But Liverpool could be set for another transfer window of uncertainty when it reopens in January.
Spanish newspaper Marca say Coutinho remains Barcelona’s No 1 target with Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil a back-up option.
Coutinho signed a new deal in January and is under contract with Liverpool until 2022.
While he is keen to swap Anfield for the Nou Camp, Liverpool remain defiant that their star man will leave.
Philippe Coutinho is Barcelona's top transfer target
That could increase the likelihood that Barca may have to move for Ozil, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
The key this is their former Barcelona director of football Raul Sanllehi, who has been appointed Arsenal's new head of football relations
Sanllehi worked at Barcelona for 14 years but will now start work at the Gunners in February. He is tasked with ensuring the top players don't leave while also working on incoming players.
An official Arsenal statement said: “Sanllehi lead future player negotiations and work alongside manager Arsene Wenger, chief executive Ivan Gazidis and contract negotiator Huss Fahmy.
“He will also represent and support the club with international and domestic governing bodies.”