Arsenal are preparing for life in the Europa League.

The Gunners were not in the best form throughout the season, ending the campaign in eighth place in the Premier League.

That did not secure European qualification but they then contested the FA Cup final against Chelsea.

Naturally, given their history in the competition, they won the game, thanks to a brace from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

It secured a trophy for Mikel Arteta in his first season at the helm, and ensured that the Gunners now have the carrot of European football to dangle in front of prospective new signings.

It means that they also have extra resources to spend in a post-COVID world and it appears that targets are already being identified.

p1eevdqb584cailo5pcmlnq4ii.jpg

Arteta’s men, after all, have a significant gap to make up to the top four; they ended the season 10 points behind Chelsea in fourth and 43 behind champions Liverpool.

However, they are attempting to bring in a genuine superstar this summer if reports are to be believed.

Sport Witness carries a report from Spanish outlet Sport on Wednesday, claiming that the club are hopeful of signing Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona.

The Catalan club are said to be hopeful of moving the former Liverpool man on this summer and the Gunners could end up securing his signature.

p1eevdrd8ohir1av81p6r1ftj1a49l.jpg

Coutinho’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, is currently in negotiations with the Gunners over another one of his clients, Willian, and it is said that the playmaker could follow in his footsteps if the Brazil international ends up in north London.

The north London giants are said to “love” the 28-year-old and could be the club to take him off Barca’s hands.

The Catalan club are said to want “cash” for Coutinho, seemingly ruling out the prospect of a loan move.

GIVEMESPORT’S Harry Sherlock says…

Coutinho would be the ideal Mesut Ozil replacement.

The Germany international has barely had a look-in since the resumption of Premier League proceedings, failing to play a single minute.

Moving him on should be a priority this summer but there will need to be a replacement secured.

p1eevdsq051d1e11vr136qtaqva4n.jpg

A deal for Coutinho would replace him at a stroke, and bring a genuinely brilliant player back to English football.

The Brazil international spent five years at Liverpool, making 201 appearances and scoring 54 goals, while also registering 45 assists.

He has spent the season on loan at Bayern Munich and he is an elite presence at No.10, while he can also play on the left wing.

This would be a superb deal.