Friday's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup: Philippe Coutinho, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Willian

The summer transfer window has now begun, with rumours and speculation continuing to swirl as Arsenal eye possible reinforcements.

The Gunners spent more than many expected last summer - most notably their club-record purchase of Nicolas Pepe - but were more reserved in January as they focused on bolstering their defensive options.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Emirates Stadium.

Friday morning's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup:

Philippe Coutinho 'drops Arsenal transfer hint on Twitter'

© Reuters

Philippe Coutinho has raised speculation that he could be set to join Arsenal this summer by following a number of the club's players on Twitter.

The Brazilian midfielder is currently on loan at Bayern Munich from Barcelona but is available for transfer this summer after Bayern decided against triggering their option to buy.

Barcelona deem Coutinho surplus to requirements and need to trim their wage bill in the wake of coronavirus too, leading to speculation that the former Liverpool playmaker could be on course to return to the Premier League.

Arsenal are leading the race for his signature - most likely initially on loan - and keen-eyed fans have seemingly spotted a clue to his transfer plans in his social media activity.

The 28-year-old has reportedly recently followed Arsenal players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, David Luiz, Gabriel Martinelli and Cedric Soares.

Philippe Coutinho just started following Cédric Soares, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Gabriel Martinelli👀 pic.twitter.com/s4yF4RWBhD

— 𝓼𝓱𝓪𝓶𝓮𝓵𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝓯𝓬🎗🇱🇧 (@AFCMo__) August 13, 2020

Recent reports have claimed that Coutinho has put talks over his future on hold until after his involvement in the Champions League, where his loan side Bayern face his parent club Barcelona in the quarter-finals on Friday.

Willian 'to complete Arsenal switch by Saturday'

© Reuters

Arsenal are reportedly on the brink of confirming the signing of former Chelsea winger Willian.

Having formally announced his departure from Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, the 32-year-old is now free to sign for a new club.

Despite the rivalry between the two London outfits, there is every expectancy that the Brazilian will soon link up with Mikel Arteta's first-team squad.

According to Sky Sports News, the Gunners hope to be in a position to officially unveil Willian within the next 48 hours.

The player has always favoured remaining in England's capital on a three-year contract, two demands which were quickly met by Arsenal officials.

More transfer news from Arsenal:

Chelsea 'ahead of Arsenal in Sergio Reguilon race'
Chelsea are reportedly ahead of Arsenal in the race to secure a deal for Real Madrid defender Sergio Reguilon. Read more.

Manchester United 'enquire about Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior'
Manchester United are reportedly the latest club to enquire about the availability of Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior as they consider alternatives to Jadon Sancho. Read more.

Chelsea, Manchester City to rival Arsenal for Joelson Fernandes?
Chelsea and Manchester City reportedly join Premier League rivals Arsenal in the race to sign 17-year-old Sporting Lisbon winger Joelson Fernandes. Read more.

Fulham want Arsenal's Calum Chambers for £12m?
Newly-promoted Fulham are reportedly interested in re-signing Arsenal defender Calum Chambers for around £12m. Read more.

Juventus to rival Arsenal for Atletico Madrid's Thomas Partey?
Juventus are reportedly prepared to rival Arsenal in the race to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey. Read more.

Newly-promoted trio Leeds, West Brom and Fulham 'join race to sign Ryan Fraser'
Newly-promoted trio Leeds United, West Bromwich Albion and Fulham all reportedly join the race to sign free agent Ryan Fraser. Read more.

Arsenal, Manchester City 'handed boost in Houssem Aouar pursuit'
Lyon sporting director Juninho admits that Houssem Aouar could leave the club this summer amid reported interest from Arsenal, Manchester City and Juventus. Read more.

Napoli 'close in on Gabriel Magalhaes to pave way for Kalidou Koulibaly exit'
Napoli reportedly beat Manchester United and Arsenal to the signing of Gabriel Magalhaes in a deal which could pave the way for Kalidou Koulibaly to leave the club. Read more.

Arsenal transfer news: Swap bid for Fernandes, Thomas wants big wages, interest in Diawara
Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer talk for Arsenal on Thursday, August 13. Read more.