Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are ready to make a move for Philippe Coutinho, now on loan at Aston Villa from Barcelona, according to Sport.
The report in the Spanish news outlet has claimed that Arsenal are looking into the possibility of signing the former Liverpool attacking midfielder in the summer transfer window.
Coutinho, who can also play as a winger, joined Villa from Barcelona on loan in the January transfer window.
Villa can make the loan deal permanent by paying Barcelona €40 million (£33.57 million), according to Sport.
Philippe Coutinho would make Arsenal better
In our view, Coutinho would make Arsenal a much better team and would enhance Arteta’s side’s chances of being successful.
Yes, Arsenal have two very good attacking midfielders in Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard.
And both are doing well at the moment.
However, if Arsenal get into the Champions League and aim to challenge for major trophies in the next one or two years, then they have to add more experienced players to their current squad.
We know from Coutinho’s time at Liverpool just how good he is.
And we are seeing from his performances at Villa this season that he has still got his mojo.
The 29-year-old has made nine starts and one substitute appearance in the Premier League for Steven Gerrard’s side.
Coutinho has scored four goals and provided three assists in those games.
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