Arsenal and Barcelona are in negotiations over a swap deal between Pierre-Emerick Aubemayang and Philippe Coutinho, according to Sport.
What’s the story?
News about interest from the Catalan giants in the club captain and Alexandre Lacazette emerged a few days ago.
However, it seems a transfer for the 32-year-old is moving at a rapid pace with the two teams now allegedly in discussions.
The Spanish outfit are in financial turmoil. The extent of the club’s problems were revealed last week as they let Lionel Messi leave on a free transfer.
Aubameyang and his French teammate missed Arsenal’s opening Premier League game of the season due to illness.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian was left out of the Barcelona squad for the opener versus Real Sociedad.
Aubameyang/Coutinho swap deal does not benefit Arsenal
A swap deal between Aubameyang and Coutinho does not benefit Arsenal one bit.
The main goal of this window is to improve the overall quality of the first-team squad.
So far, the additions of Ben White, Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga have achieved that.
But adding the 29-year-old would be the exact opposite.
Since his move to the Nou Camp, Coutinho has flattered to deceive. Injuries and inconsistencies have limited his impact on the pitch.
With the captain struggling himself since signing a big-money contract, the last thing Mikel Arteta needs is another expensive flop.
Coutinho was once a great player, making his fall from grace all the more stunning. Signing him this summer would be a massive backward step by Arsenal.
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