On Tuesday, journalist Bruno Alemany told Ser Catalunya’s Què T’hi Jugues that Arsenal and Newcastle United are the ‘two teams interested’ in Philippe Coutinho.
The 29-year-old’s high salary has become a problem for Barcelona as they need to lower their wage bill in order to register new signing Ferran Torres. His exit, even on loan, could help in this regard.
Coutinho has struggled to impress Xavi Hernández. He and his agent have been informed by the Catalan club that they can look for a new destination in the winter market.
Sport claim the Brazil international’s exit is ‘possible’, but it won’t be easy because of his wages. Both the Blaugrana and the player’s idea ‘has been to design a strategy’ that will see the latter move to the Premier League.
It’s claimed there are four clubs ‘that have not closed their doors’ and among them is Arsenal, who have ‘some interest’ in the attacking midfielder. The Gunners and Coutinho’s agent have a ‘good relationship’ and this could be key for any potential deal.
Sport add Mikel Arteta’s side would ‘only contemplate’ taking the South American if they don’t have to pay his full salary during his temporary stay and no compulsory purchase option is attached to the loan deal.
Xavi’s side are still going to set a low purchase option, but the report adds Coutinho will have to take a pay cut if he wants the deal with Arsenal to take shape.
