Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman personally intervened to stop Philippe Coutinho leaving for Arsenal this summer.

Coutinho was in talks to sign for the Gunners after spending the season on-loan with Bayern Munich.

A deal was close to being wrapped up before Koeman's appointment and insistence that Coutinho do preseason with Barca before a final decision was made over his future.

And after shining in front Koeman, Coutinho was offered the chance to stay with the Catalans.

Since then, the Brazil midfielder has thrived under the Dutchman, producing his best form in a Blaugrana shirt.