Barcelona have now made it clear that they want an answer from Arsenal over Philippe Coutinho by Wednesday as they look to offload the Brazilian.
The Mirror claim that Arsenal are interested in Coutinho but must give a final answer to Barcelona within a few days.
Arsenal would be taking Coutinho on loan until the end of the season, paying his full £200,000-a-week wages in the process.
The deal would also contain a £5million obligatory purchase clause, meaning Arsenal would be tying themselves to Coutinho for years.
If Arsenal don’t indicate that they will accept that deal by Wednesday, Coutinho could head elsewhere.
Newcastle United, Leicester City, Atletico Mineiro and Palmeiras are also keen on Coutinho.
Coutinho’s agent Kia Joorabchian is close with Arsenal’s Edu, which may help smooth this potential deal along.
Is Coutinho really what Arsenal need though?
Now 29, Coutinho just hasn’t lived up to his billing since joining Barcelona from Liverpool in 2018.
Would Coutinho really be able to get back on track at Arsenal? The Gunners are young and vibrant in attacking areas, with Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe all thriving.
Coutinho just doesn’t add up when you think about those options, especially at a huge £200,000-a-week.
Coutinho’s best days appear to be behind him now, and going for an expensive player on the decline would undo so much good work Arsenal have done.
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