Philippe Coutinho could yet make a move to Arsenal this transfer window with Mikel Arteta a huge fan of the playmaker.
He is exploring a loan deal for the Barcelona star but could find it tough with Ronald Koeman keen to bring him back into the squad.
The Brazil international has suffered from a decline after moving to the Nou Camp in 2018.
However, a temporary spell at Bayern Munich has looked like it has revitalised his career after landing the Champions League title.
The Bavarian giants will not be making his loan permanent, though, leaving his future up in the air.
Arsenal had explored a loan move earlier in the transfer window but could reignite that interest with time running out.
Arteta is desperate for some creativity in the middle of the park.
Granit Xhaka plays in a deeper role while Mesut Ozil appears to be out of the picture.
Houssem Aoaur is the top target but with Lyon demanding over £50m, Arsenal may have to look elsewhere.
According to Sport, Arsenal have not given up on Coutinho and hope to land a deal for the ex-Liverpool man before the window shuts on October 6.
But they face a stern test in prying him away with Koeman keen to use the midfielder.
Coutinho still has three years left on his contract in Catalonia and is in contention to start against Villarreal at the weekend.
However, Arsenal are confident due to Barcelona’s financial state – which has already seen them axe a number of players.
Luis Suarez is the latest player to leave the Nou Camp, joining other high-profile stars such as Ivan Rakitic, Arturo Vidal and Arthur.
The Gunners have been active in the transfer window, signing Brazilian pair Willian and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Dani Ceballos has also renewed his loan from Real Madrid in a key deal for Arteta while he is not done yet.
Thomas Partey of Atletico Madrid is the top target but they are struggling to find the funds.
Lucas Torreira looks set to leave while Matteo Guendouzi and Hector Bellerin could leave before the window shuts.