Arsenal’s hopes of finally signing former Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho have received a boost.
The Gunners were in hot pursuit of
Coutinho but Ronald Koeman’s appointment at Barcelona put the brakes on a potential deal.
Arsenal signed Coutinho’s Brazilian compatriot Willian instead before later bringing in Martin Odegaard on loan from Real Madrid.
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The duo have gone some way to fixing Arsenal’s creativity problem, but Mikel Arteta could still use someone like Coutinho, and he may now have a chance of getting his man.
Coutinho has not featured for Barcelona in recent months due to an injury and is yet to kick a ball for the Catalan giants in 2021.
The midfielder is no longer a first-team regular in Spain, but crucially, is just 10 fixtures away from triggering a clause that will force Barcelona to pay Liverpool £20million, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Barcelona are not exactly rolling in cash at the moment, and would reportedly consider selling Coutinho this summer for much less than the £142million they paid for him in 2018.
Currently, Arsenal’s priority appears to be signing Real Madrid loanee Odegaard on a permanent contract.
And the Norwegian hinted he would be willing to do so this month.
“I have felt at home since the first day,” he said. “I am happy to be here and feel great.”
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