ARSENAL are leading the race to sign Barcelona flop Philippe Coutinho, according to reports.
Mundo Deportivo report the Gunners are in pole position to swoop for ex-Liverpool playmaker Coutinho after talks with his agent Kia Joorabchian.
Philippe Coutinho could be heading to ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
A swap deal involving Matteo Guendouzi is not fancied by BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Joorabchian is believed to have a good relationship with Arsenal’s head of football and transfer guru Raul Sanllehi.
The pair are said to have begun negotiations over a potential move to bring the Brazilian playmaker to the Emirates.
But – in a blow to Mikel Arteta’s side – Barcelona will reportedly outright reject the offer of a money plus player deal involving outcast Matteo Guendouzi.
The Catalan giants have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and are only interested in a pure cash deal.
Guendouzi has been jettisoned from the Arsenal squad after his antics at Brighton last month and an exit looks inevitable.
Coutinho’s representative Joorabchian previously confirmed the ace’s desire to return to the Premier League, where he spent six seasons at Anfield.
He told talkSPORT: “After the Champions League, it’s not been a secret that he wants to come back to the Premier League if he can; he loves playing in the Premier League and is adored in the Premier League.
“There is much genuine interest in Philippe because he is a great player and a big success. There is always interest.”
Arsenal’s North London rivals Spurs are also in the frame to sign the player after securing Europa League qualification.
Leicester are another potential destination as the 28-year-old seeks a new home in the Premier League.
Coutinho spent this year on loan at Bayern Munich and is set to stay for the completion of their Champions League campaign before deciding on his future.
A spot in Quique Setien’s future plans at parent club Barca is unlikely to be on offer, with a move to the English top-flight high on the agenda just two and a half years after his £142million arrival.
Coutinho ‘considering transfer to Arsenal, Leicester or Tottenham’ with £142m Barcelona flop already negotiating exit
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
