Barcelona are prioritising the sale of Philippe Coutinho and are intensifying talks with Arsenal over a possible deal, according to Spanish publication Sport.
The 28-year-old has spent the 2019/20 season on loan at German club Bayern Munich and has done reasonably well with nine goals from 34 appearances. The German club had an option to make the loan deal permanent but they did not pick up that option.
The report in Sport claims that Barcelona are keen on selling Coutinho as quickly as possible. The Spanish giants felt that the current market conditions would lead to swap deals but that has not been the case and they would now like a transfer that involves straight cash.
It further claims that Arsenal are keen on signing the Brazilian midfielder and both parties are willing to get a deal across the line. The North London club are the front-runners but Barca haven’t closed the door to other clubs.
Speaking recently to talkSPORT(via Metro) on Coutinho’s future, his agent Kia Joorabchian said:
“After the Champions League, I think it’s not been a secret, we’ve not kept it a secret, that he wants to come back to the Premier League if he can.”
Coutinho would be a great signing for Arsenal but it will be interesting to see how they will be able to structure a deal, but they will have a financial boost after qualifying for next season’s Europa League by virtue of their FA Cup heroics. He has an array of talents and his Premier League experience will push the club even further.
It will be sometime before the deal materializes, as the midfielder will be keen to focus on Bayern’s Champions League campaign which could last for few more weeks. But in the meantime, if Arsenal are able to sort out a deal it will be a win-win situation for both clubs.
Coutinho can play in multiple positions which will give Arteta a lot of options to play around with. If a financially favorable deal can be arranged, there is no reason why the midfielder won’t be playing at the Emirates next season.
