Barcelona are set to listen to offers to sell reported Arsenal target Philippe Coutinho worth less than the agreed option to buy included in the Brazilian’s loan transfer with Aston Villa.
That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who claim it is ‘logical’ the Camp Nou outfit accepts discounts to ensure his departure. Barcelona are working to strengthen Xavi Hernandez’s squad this summer, but will also have to manage the raft of players they have out on loan.
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Coutinho enjoyed a spirited start to his temporary return to the Premier League four years after joining Barcelona for £105m. But the Blaugrana no longer expect to receive the £33m option Steven Gerrard’s side agreed in their half-season deal in the recent winter window.
Instead, the Catalan giants will negotiate the fee required in order to sell the 29-year-old this summer. As well as his form dropping in recent weeks, Coutinho enters the final 12-months of his £425k-a-week contract this June. Further weakening the Blaugrana’s stance.
His salary would also be a major hurdle toward securing a permanent move over the off-season. But Mundo Deportivo recently reported Coutinho is likely to accept a pay cut to leave Barcelona – as he has to secure loan transfers with Aston Villa and Bayern Munich.
The Spanish outlet also noted Arsenal are considering rivalling Aston Villa for Coutinho’s permanent transfer from Barcelona this summer. But 90min claim the Villans are already speaking with the Camp Nou hierarchy and are optimistic of winning any tussle, as well.
Barcelona to hear bids for Arsenal target Coutinho below £33m Aston Villa option
Yet Barcelona slashing their asking price could see further teams join Arsenal by rivalling Aston Villa for Coutinho’s permanent transfer. He has so far offered four goals and three assists over 12 Premier League games under Gerrard, who has started him in 11 matches.
His haul includes scoring against Manchester United, Southampton and in two games with Leeds. The 68-cap Brazil ace also assisted twice in his first clash with Leeds, while blowing Alan Shearer away with his dynamic display to help thrash the Saints 4-0 on March 5.
“The Brazilian continues to thrive under Steven Gerrard, getting another goal and assist,” Shearer wrote in his Premier League column. “Simply unplayable.”
But Coutinho has failed to score or create over Aston Villa’s last four games since netting at Elland Road. The Villans have also lost each meeting, including a 1-0 defeat at home to Arsenal. He additionally struggled to offer Gerrard’s side much at all against the Gunners.
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