Player ‘offered’ to Arsenal, prefers Emirates move – Gunners now ‘open to talk’ for January deal

For weeks now, the Catalan media have insisted Philippe Coutinho’s high salary continues to be a problem for Barcelona.

The 29-year-old is believed to have a market in England, due to the impressive spell he had at Liverpool, and Arsenal have been named as one of his admirers.

On Monday, Sport reported the attacking midfielder’s agents are ‘travelling to England’, with the hope a firm offer can arrive from the Premier League.

Sport on Tuesday state the La Lia side have informed the Brazil international’s camp that he is ‘absolutely transferable’ and Xavi Hernández intends to do the same once he returns from vacation.

Coutinho is aware of his situation at the Camp Nou and his representatives are ‘doing everything possible’ to find a new destination in England. The ‘great objective is Arsenal’, who, as per Sport, will need a player with characteristics similar to that of the Barca man.

The South American was ‘offered’ to the north London club a ‘few weeks ago’ and they ‘took it with some suspicion’. The Gunners, however, would be ‘open to talk’ now, if the economic conditions are ‘advantageous’.

Barca are aware they can only carry out a loan operation for the player in January. The report then adds ‘they have spoken’ to Mikel Arteta’s side, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Everton.

With several options, both the Brazilian and his agent ‘would prefer’ a move to the Emirates.

Xavi’s side have ‘already made it clear’ to the player’s environment they will ‘provide all kinds of facilities’ so that Coutinho can go out on loan next month.

Barca are doing this with an intention to reduce their wage bill. They are now waiting for Coutinho to agree to lower his salary, something that has not happened so far.