Arsenal are edging closer to signing Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has given the green light to signing the former Liverpool star.

Sport says the Brazilian's entourage are headed to the English capital, with the hope of receiving a 'firm loan offer' from the Gunners.

It is believed that the north London club would pay only part of the midfielder's mega-money wages, with Barcelona still contributing to his £150,000 per-week salary.

Coutinho is now under his fourth permanent manager since making the move to La Liga almost four years ago, having also been out on loan with Bayern Munich.

That boss is Barca legend Xavi Hernandez, who has handed the playmaker just one start since taking the Camp Nou hot seat.