Arsenal have asked Philippe Coutinho to come and join them, according to AS Sport.
Arsenal have been linked with Coutinho throughout the summer so far, and have now made contact with the Brazilian.
However, they realise that they cannot afford to pay his full wages – and the Gunners have now requested that the Brazilian drops his salary to make a move to the Emirates Stadium possible.
Coutinho has previously been reluctant to join Arsenal, but hasn’t completely ruled out the possibility of the move now.
The playmaker appears to have no future at Barcelona, and his options are limited.
Coutinho would likely arrive at Arsenal on loan, rather than on a permanent deal, as Barcelona still want £80 million for him – according to Mundo Deportivo.
Arsenal could make the move more appealing to Coutinho if they are able to win the FA Cup final at the weekend, as they will at least have European football on offer.
Arteta has recently bemoaned the lack of creativity available to him at Arsenal, and Coutinho’s arrival would surely help him in that regard for next season.
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