Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have told Barcelona that they cannot pay Philippe Coutinho’s salary in full, according to Sport.
What’s the story?
Sport have reported that Arsenal are interested in signing Coutinho from Spanish and European giants Barcelona in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners actually want the former Liverpool attacking midfielder on a loan deal.
However, Arsenal have told Barcelona that they cannot afford to pay the 29-year-old’s salary in full during his potential loan spell at the Emirates Stadium.
Coutinho reportedly earns €470,960 (£403,108) per week as salary.
Could a transfer happen?
Coutinho may have failed to do an awful lot at Barcelona, but the Brazilian is a very good creative player who was a big success at Liverpool.
The Brazil international scored 41 goals in 152 appearances in the Premier League.
Coutinho would make Arsenal’s attacking midfield department more creative, but it now seems unlikely that a transfer will happen.
That’s because Arteta’s side are about to sign Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid.
The 22-year-old Norway international attacking midfielder has completed his medical and will join Arsenal for an initial transfer fee of £30 million, according to Sky Sports.
Emile Smith Rowe is already at Arsenal, and it is unlikely that the North London club will bring in Coutinho as well as Odegaard.
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