Philippe Coutinho

Arsenal and Liverpool played out the best game of the Premier League season so far, the Gunners coming from two goals down to lead only for Roberto Firmino to claim a dramatic 3-3 draw.

Philippe Coutinho had Liverpool deservedly in front at half time, the Brazil international beating Petr Cech with a deft header after Mohamed Salah’s cross looped up off Laurent Koscielny.

But while Jurgen Klopp’s side dominated the first period, they were later left to rue missed chances.

An epic second half initially saw a rampant Liverpool double their advantage shortly after the restart, Salah’s shot deflecting in after Firmino led a superb counter-attack.

Their two-goal lead was short-lived, though, as within six remarkable minutes a resurgent Arsenal were front.

Alexis Sanchez headed through the legs of Simon Mignolet from Hector Bellerin’s pinpoint right-wing cross, then the goalkeeper was beaten too easily by Granit Xhaka’s viciously swerving drive.

The comeback was seemingly complete thanks to Mesut Ozil’s sensational finish, the playmaker chipping Mignolet after a sublime one-two with Alexandre Lacazette, but Firmino beat Cech with 19 minutes left to level the scores.

A draw was certainly the fairest outcome in a thrilling match where neither side could defend competently, with Firmino’s intervention ensuring Arsene Wenger is yet to beat Klopp’s Liverpool in five attempts.

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Ivan Rakitic says Barcelona’s “doors are open” for Philippe Coutinho and that he would make those at the club happy if he were to make the switch from Liverpool.

The Catalan side are expected to return for the Brazil international in January after Liverpool rejected their attempts to sign him before the start of the season.

The 25-year-old is Barca’s top target as they look to add to their attack and he is said to want to join up with the Camp Nou outfit.

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And midfielder Rakitic admits the Spanish side would receive a great boost if Coutinho were to join.

“Every good player is welcome. So we have to say that the doors are open for every good player, and Coutinho is a good player,” he told Sky Sports. 

“With all respect to his club Liverpool, and his fans, we would be really happy if he came.

“But with all the respect if he stayed at Liverpool we would wish him all the luck in the world. We have to think about the players that are already here, I think we have a really good team.

“We have to do it together. If there is an opportunity to do it with Coutinho, or another player, perfect.”

The Blaugrana are comfortable at the top of La Liga so far, holding a six-point lead over second-place Atletico Madrid. They take on biggest rivals Real Madrid on Saturday in a crucial Clasico game. 

Despite many calls that the derby at the Santiago Bernabeu could be decisive in the battle for the league title, Rakitic insists there is still a long way to go.

“We don’t think of it like a final. Valencia are close to us, so are Atletico and Sevilla. It is very difficult to play in La Liga, it’s not like four or five years ago with just two teams, you have to go at every game 100 per cent,” he said. 

“You can’t just say we’ll get three points in all games and then wait for the Clasico, you have to prepare every game in the best way.

“Of course we know that a lot of people in the world just wait for this game, and we want to finish the year in the best way, but if we get this win it is not done. There are a lot more big, hard games. It’s step-by-step.”

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Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta hopes to welcome Philippe Coutinho to the club during the January transfer window.

The La Liga leaders are expected to renew their interest in the Liverpool playmaker after having multiple bids turned down in the previous window.

Coutinho submitted a transfer request in an attempt to force a through a move, but the Reds held firm in their refusal to lose a prized asset.

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Far from being worried about losing his position, Iniesta is eager for the 25-year-old join him at Camp Nou.

“I see him as a great player with a lot of talent who uses both feet, creates goals, combines very well and finds space between midfield and attack,” Iniesta told Mundo Deportivo.

“He is a player with a profile quite like ours and would be a great signing if he finally arrives.

“I do not see him as my competition but as a lift for the club.”

Barcelona are currently six points clear in Spain’s top flight and could land a major title blow when they visit Real Madrid in El Clasico on Saturday.

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Paulinho would love to play alongside Philippe Coutinho at Barcelona, with the Camp Nou club reportedly primed to renew their pursuit of the Liverpool star.

The Reds rebuffed a number of approaches from the La Liga side for Coutinho’s services in August, with the Brazilian handing in a transfer request.

He has since returned to the fold at Anfield and continues to impress under Jurgen Klopp, and Barca’s interest has apparently not waned.

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Asked about his compatriot coming to join him at Barca, Paulinho told  Mundo Deportivo : “I’ve already talked a few times about the Coutinho question. 

“Everyone expects the great players to come to Barcelona, ??we have a very strong group of great players, without Coutinho people are doing a great job. 

“On Coutinho it is not necessary to say much, he is a great player who has been making a difference in his team, in the Brazilian team. He is young but with experience in Europe. 

“I want him to come, I think it would be a great contract for Barca. It would be a great happiness for me, because we would have another great player and another Brazilian.”

A deal for Coutinho is likely to prove popular with the Barcelona squad as a whole, as Luis Suarez also eulogised over the qualities of his former Liverpool team-mate recently, along with those of Antoine Griezmann, who has also been linked with a move to Camp Nou.

“Both Griezmann and Coutinho are elite players that are playing at the top level,” the Uruguay star told RAC105.

“They are where they are for a reason. They’re both young and have long careers ahead of them. And Barca always want the best players.”

Andres Iniesta is another Barca player who is an admirer of Coutinho and he believes the attacker would be an astute purchase for the club, along with 23-year-old Colombia international Yerry Mina.

“I think they would be two important reinforcements to the squad,” Iniesta told reporters earlier in December. “If the club wants to strengthen those positions, it should be with players that can be prepared to withstand the pressure of a club like this, and they would be two big signings.

“But nothing has happened, so it’s difficult.”

Ernesto Valverde’s men, who sit six points clear at the top of the table, face bitter rivals Real Madrid on Saturday.

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Barcelona forward Luis Suarez hailed “elite players” Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho as the duo continue to be linked to the LaLiga giants.

Atletico Madrid star Griezmann and Liverpool attacker Coutinho are reported to be targets for Barca.

Suarez, who played with Coutinho at Anfield, lauded the pair and said Barca were always looking to bring in the best.

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“Both Griezmann and Coutinho are elite players that are playing at the top level,” the Uruguay star told RAC105.

“They are where they are for a reason. They’re both young and have long careers ahead of them. And Barca always want the best players.”

Griezmann, 26, has scored five goals and assisted three others in LaLiga this season.

While the France international plays a similar role to Suarez, the forward said the pair could feature together.

“If you look at him at Atletico he needs to play with a number nine. He’s not a fixed number nine,” Suarez said.

“Obviously, Griezmann would come here to add to the team and to help the side in the position that the coach wants him to play in.”

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If Liverpool are to sanction the sale of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona then they should ask for Luis Suarez back in return, says Jamie Redknapp.

The Reds spent much of the summer fending off advances from Camp Nou as they fought hard to keep a key creative talent at Anfield.

Coutinho is tied to a long-term contract in England and has continued to impress in 2017-18 amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future.

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It is expected to be only a matter of time before Barca come calling once more, with a January move being mooted, but Redknapp believes any transfer talks need to include the option for a part-exchange which will see a former favourite returned to Merseyside.

The former Reds midfielder told the Daily Mail: “Philippe Coutinho was sensational for Liverpool at Bournemouth. The Reds should enjoy him while they can before Barcelona come calling again in the summer. 

“Even if Liverpool receive in excess of the £138 million Barcelona bid last summer, there are few like-for-like players they can buy — while bringing in a number of players is not always the best option.

“Instead, Liverpool should ask Barcelona to swap Coutinho for Luis Suarez.

“The striker has not been as prolific as in recent seasons and the Liverpool fans would love a returning hero. It would be a great move for both the club and the Premier League.”

Suarez left Liverpool for Barcelona in the summer of 2014.

He departed as the reigning PFA Player of the Year, having come agonisingly close to leading the Reds to the Premier League title.

A goal-laden spell at Camp Nou has followed, but the 30-year-old has seen his numbers dip this term.

His tally for Barca has been taken to 130 goals in just 168 games, but only nine of those efforts have come in 2017-18.

Coutinho, meanwhile, has contributed 10 goals and seven assists to the Liverpool cause across Premier League and Champions League competition.

It is that form which still has Barca keen and mulling over another big-money bid when the winter transfer window opens.

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed he dislikes the ‘Fab Four’ nickname given to his star attack.

Philippe Coutinho, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino scored in Liverpool’s 4-0 win over Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday.

Sadio Mane, the other member of the so-called ‘Fab Four’, was left on the bench as Liverpool moved back into fourth.

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Salah’s goal was his 20th in all competitions this season, but Klopp played down all the talk about his ‘Fab Four’.

“I’m looking forward to it that he [Salah] stays in that shape and still plays like this,” the German said.

“He didn’t score against West Brom, for example, and we could have needed it much more in that game than today, but things happen, I have no problem with it.

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— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 17, 2017

“He knows how much talk is always about Mo. He knows how much I respect and like him, but it’s not about the ‘Fab Four’. I don’t like that name as well.

“I don’t go home and think, ‘my God, what a player Mo Salah is, how good is he and all the others?’ That’s not how it works.”

Liverpool visit fifth-placed Arsenal in the Premier League on Friday.

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Philippe Coutinho turned down the chance to commit his immediate future to Liverpool after scoring a fantastic goal in Sunday’s 4-0 Premier League win at Bournemouth.

The Brazilian’s dazzling solo effort broke the deadlock at the Vitality Stadium and he later recorded a pair of assists as Jurgen Klopp’s men ran riot to move up to fourth place.

But, with Barcelona ready to rekindle their long-held interest in the playmaker , Coutinho would not be drawn on what his future holds when he spoke after the game.

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“I always say the same thing, I try to enjoy the moment,” Coutinho told Sky Sports. “I like to play football and I always try my best.

“It was a nice goal for me but the most important thing was Liverpool getting better and winning the game, so we’re happy with the three points. 

“Everyone enjoys playing, the manager changes it sometimes but everyone who is on the pitch can give their best and that’s good for Liverpool.”

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain defended Coutinho from being grilled about his future after pipping his team-mate to the television man-of-the-match award.

“Phil is doing well for us and he’s so professional and gives his all for us,” the England international said. “That’s the most important thing and it’s not fair to ask those sorts of questions.

“The four boys up front [Coutinho, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino] have been on fire recently. They’re not bad!

“Everyone’s a quality player and it’s up to the rest of us to get in and among it. But with the squad rotation we have to keep performing.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain put in arguably his strongest performance since signing from Arsenal, but the versatile midfielder believes there is still more to come.

“I’m trying my best and I’ve definitely made strides forward,” Oxlade-Chamberlain said. “I have areas to improve and I know that, but I’m trying to do the things the manager wants.

“I’m happy with the performance but you normally have to get a goal to get man of the match. We know Phil and Mo can come up with magic.”

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With 2017 drawing to an end, Barcelona are already looking to the New Year. Ernesto Valverde’s side are unbeaten since the Spanish Supercopa and lead La Liga after a remarkable run on the pitch. But now they hope the right transfers in January can make them even stronger for the second half of the season.

The winter window opens on January 1 and Barca mean business, especially given that their activity in the summer was not entirely satisfactory.

Ousmane Dembele was brought in back then after Neymar’s shock exit, but the France winger has missed most of the season so far after picking up an injury. Nevertheless, Barca have coped thanks to Valverde’s astute coaching and the fine form of several stars – notably Lionel Messi, Samuel Umtiti and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

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Umtiti is currently out injured, however, and over a long season, Barcelona will need more strength in depth. And with Javier Mascherano keen to leave in January in order to see out his career as a starter and not on the Barca bench, a centre-back is priority in January.

Valverde had hoped to bring in a player with experience in Europe, but it looks like that will now be difficult and it will be Palmeiras’ Colombian centre-back Yerry Mina (23) who signs for the Blaugrana in January for a fee in the region of €12m.

If that deal is completed, Mascherano will be allowed to leave Barca and the Catalan club will look to bring in another centre-back in the summer, with 18-year-old Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt their top target to provide back-up to Gerard Pique and Umtiti.

Lazio’s Stefan de Vrij, who is 25 and also Dutch, is another possibility as Barca seek to strengthen their back line. But January deals are notoriously difficult to complete and Valverde is therefore set to make do with Pique, Umtiti, Mina and the revitalised Thomas Vermaelen until the end of the season.

Meanwhile, the Catalans will be back in for Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho, their top target along with Dembele last summer. If Barca offer €200 million for the Brazil midfielder, a fee they claimed the Reds had demanded, a deal could be struck. However, it seems unlikely that the Blaugrana will have that kind of cash available in January and they can only offer €80m plus €30m in variables at this stage.

That is unlikely to tempt Liverpool into a sale and the Reds will be loath to losing their player for the second part of the season as they look to compete at the top end of the Premier League and also in the Champions League.

From a Barca point of view, meanwhile, paying huge money for Coutinho in the winter also makes little sense because he would be cup-tied for the Champions League. So the Blaugrana are likely to return with more money in the summer when a deal would better suit all parties.

Gremio midfielder Arthur (who is currently injured and played no part in the Club World Cup out in Abu Dhabi) met recently with Barca officials in Brazil and was photographed in a shirt gifted to him by club directors, although he was later forced to clarify that a move was not imminent after the picture was leaked.

This week, a director at the Brazilian club then told Goal that Real Madrid are also in for the talented 21-year-old , who has a €50m release clause but could be available for a slightly lower fee than that.

Finally, Barca have looked at Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil, who is out of contract in the summer but would still be an expensive signing in January, and Schalke’s Leon Goretzka, who is also a free agent in June and could be available for around €10-15m in the winter window.

At just 22, however, Goretzka will be keen on a move to further his career and may see his path to first-team football blocked at Barcelona. Several other of Europe’s elite clubs are also keeping tabs on the Germany midfielder.

Along with Mascherano, meanwhile, Arda Turan is set to depart after failing to play a single minute for the Catalan club so far in 2017-18, with a return to Turkey and Galatasaray the most likely option for the 30-year-old former Atletico midfielder.

Andre Gomes is another who could move on, although the Portugal midfielder would only leave if the Blaugrana can bring in another player in that position and even then he could stay until the summer.

Whatever happens, 2018 looks set to bring with it a new Barcelona – and January could be a very big month for the Catalan club.

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Andres Iniesta has urged Barcelona to sign Philippe Coutinho as he would be an “important reinforcement” as they look to strengthen their team in January.

Barca pushed heavily to sign the Liverpool star in the summer but saw their advances rejected by Premier League club, despite the Brazilian’s desire to make the move.

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The Catalan club are expected to return for Coutinho, however, and could make another bid in the January window. 

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They are also linked with signing a centre-back, as Javier Mascherano looks set to leave, and 23-year-old Colombia international Yerry Mina is reportedly on his way.

And Barca midfielder Iniesta believes Coutinho, 25, and Mina would be smart purchases from his side.

“I think they would be two important reinforcements to the squad,” he told reporters. “If the club wants to strengthen those positions, it should be with players that can be prepared to withstand the pressure of a club like this, and they would be two big signings.

“But nothing has happened, so it’s difficult.”

This week, Barcelona were paired with Liverpool’s domestic rivals Chelsea in the first knockout round of the Champions League.

The draw reminded Iniesta of the meeting between the two sides in 2009, when his last minute goal sent Barca through to secure their place in the final, going on to beat Manchester United.

“The first thing I thought was that it was a hard and complicated match against a very powerful team in every way,” he said. “Some very nice memories, the best I’ve ever lived, came to mind.”

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