Arsenal have been linked with a move for former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho in recent days, with some reports even suggesting talks have already begun.

The Brazilian looks likely to leave Barcelona when he returns from his loan spell with Bayern Munich at the end of the season, though it remains to be seen whether the Gunners would be able to finance a permanent deal.

But it’s not only Arsenal fans who might despair if a lack of funds cost Mikel Arteta the chance to sign the 28-year-old this summer.

A year ago, it was Coutinho’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, who was urging owner Stan Kroenke to make more money available for then manager Unai Emery to bolster his squad.

“I feel for the guys that have just come in – Raul [Sanllehi – head of football] and Edu and [former manager] Unai Emery,” he told talkSPORT last summer.

“I feel for them because we have finally got incredibly knowledgeable footballing people there.

“Raul came in from Barcelona, Edu came from the Brazil national team and is a legend at Arsenal, and Emery is a fantastic coach who has coached at Sevilla and PSG.

“Finally Arsenal have people who really understand football and are footballing people in the backroom staff, but the question is whether or not the finances will be made available.”