Premier League side Arsenal might fail to sign former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho thanks to the new terms and conditions from FC Barcelona.
As per ESPN, the Catalans are really eager to part ways with the Brazilian and so far they have offered the services of the 27-year-old to a series of prominent European clubs – Arsenal being the latest addition to this list.
But now as per ESPN’s James Olley, Barcelona have made some really definite demands which could put the Gunners out of this race.
The report claims: “The list of clubs linked with Coutinho continues to increase almost by the day but that is more a reflection of the challenges in completing a deal with Barcelona rather than growing interest.
“Sources told ESPN earlier this week that Barca need to raise funds to balance the books but they are looking to recoup more than half the £142m they agreed with Liverpool to sign Coutinho in 2018.
“Sources have also told ESPN Barcelona want any loan agreement to include a fee of around £10m, plus the buying club would be required to cover all of his £250,000-a-week wages.
“Although a loan move makes sense to Arsenal given their financial constraints, any serious pursuit of Coutinho would raise an intriguing question whether he will be asked to take the same 12.5%, 12-month pay cut which the majority of the first-team squad agreed to in April.”
Is Coutinho heading to Chelsea & not Arsenal?
Chelsea, much like Arsenal are also not keen to agree to Barcelona’s demands but there’s no denying that the Blues are in a much better financial position as compared to their Premier League rival.
Chelsea have been chasing Philippe Coutinho for a number of months now and at one point, the Blues had moved pretty close to securing a deal.
It’s still unclear if Chelsea will entertain Barcelona’s clauses but one thing’s for sure, if the La Liga side refuse to yield from their wishes, there’s no way Arsenal will be able to make a formal move for the 27-year-old during the summer.
Arsenal were expected to open talks with Coutinho’s agent in the coming few days but this new bombshell has certainly shaken up their transfer plans. Chelsea, on the other hand, have gotten much needed time on their hands and if Lampard is actually serious about signing Philippe Coutinho then he will have to move before the Gunners hierarchy make up their mind.
