Barcelona-owned Aston Villa playmaker Philippe Coutinho could take a pay-cut to stay in England amid interest from Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Mundo Deportivo have reported that Arsenal are interested in signing former Liverpool attacking midfielder Coutinho from Barcelona in the summer transfer window.
Villa manager Steven Gerrard wants the Brazil international to stay at the club beyond his loan spell.
The Liverpool legend has reportedly told the Villa chiefs to make Coutinho’s loan deal permanent at the end of the season.
The 29-year-old joined Villa on loan from Barcelona in the January transfer window until the summer of 2022.
Mundo Deportivo have reported that Coutinho is aware that he will have to take a pay-cut if he is to stay in England.
The former Bayern Munich loanee, who can also play as a winger, earns £480,000 per week as salary (The Telegraph).
Arsenal or Aston Villa for Philippe Coutinho?
In our opinion, Arsenal have the edge over Villa in the race for Coutinho.
The Gunners could end up in the Premier League top four this season, and the chance to play in the Champions League could appeal to the Brazilian.
After all, Coutinho is used to playing in top competitions and challenging for major trophies.
Yes, the Brazilian is flourishing at Villa now, but the Villans are unlikely to even push for the Europa League spots in the next two or so seasons.
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Coutinho is 29 and is in his prime, and the chance to at least compete for trophies with Arsenal could be more appealing.
The former Liverpool star has scored four goals and given three assists in 10 Premier League appearances for Villa during his loan spell so far.
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