Arsene Wenger aims dig at Liverpool when asked about Philippe Coutinho transfer request

Coutinho handed in a transfer request at Liverpool on Friday as he pushes for his dream move to Barcelona.

Reports in the Spanish press say the move is close to completion but Liverpool insist the player is not for sale.

Jurgen Klopp was without Coutinho for Liverpool’s 2-1 Champions League first-leg play-off win over Hoffenheim last night, with the official reason given a back problem.

But he is causing Klopp a major headache with the new season well underway and the Brazilian determined to leave Anfield.

And Wenger didn’t sugar-coat his answer when asked if he was glad his stars Alexis Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain haven’t handed in transfer requests at Arsenal like Coutinho has at Liverpool.

“Are you glad you haven't had Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Alexis Sanchez hand in a transfer request like Philippe Coutinho?” a journalist asked.

To which Arsene Wenger replied: “Yes, I am very happy about that.

“It's important you have a serene atmosphere inside and clarity about your commitment.

“It's important the players aren't half in and half out and they are completely in.”

Wenger’s response backs up his public statements that Sanchez and Oxlade-Chamberlain will not be sold this summer despite entering the final year of their contracts.

But his comments will not go unnoticed on Merseyside as Liverpool battle to resist Barcelona’s overtures for Coutinho.

Klopp has grown tired of questions about the 25-year-old, now insisting the final decision rests with the club’s owners Fenway Sports Group.

Wenger is no stranger to losing big players to Barcelona, with Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas moving from Arsenal to the Nou Camp under his rule.