There’s probably a more simple explanation

Arsenal are a club that tends to develop the more flair type of player rather than grafter types.

The last thing they want is for Cuffy to get caught up in a relegation scrap, huffing and puffing in a squad where he might be forced to play whilst carrying a niggling injury and being forced into playing in a position he doesn’t like.

So they probably think Coventry is a better option for their player, and Cuffy himself probably agrees