Premier League side Arsenal are ready to hand Philippe Coutinho a major lifeline as manager Mikel Arteta plans to sign him for the North London outfit this summer.
Arsenal have not been able to bring Martin Odegaard back from Real Madrid, which is why they are looking at the ex-Liverpool man. But as per The Mirror, the Gunners are waiting to get a fitness update from Barcelona.
The report claims: “Arsenal are waiting for a crucial update from Barcelona as they consider a formal offer for Philippe Coutinho, according to reports in Spain.
“Underwhelming performances on the pitch have been compounded by injuries, with the Brazilian playmaker managing just 14 appearances last season due to a rupture in his knee.
“The Gunners are actively preparing a bid for the former Inter Milan star, but first they want assurances over his injury status.
“That’s according to Mundo Deportivo , which adds Emirates chiefs are searching for a new face in attacking midfield after Martin Odegaard decided to stay at Real Madrid.”
Should Arsenal take a gamble with Philippe Coutinho?
In a recent interview, Nigel Winterburn had urged that Arsenal should not take the risk of signing Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona but instead focus on the youngster talents.
He said, as per Football365: “I wouldn’t go down that line, we’ve got a lot of young talent coming through.
“Unless he would be on the right wages or if there was a way to fit him in then it could be an option. It’s been touted around so much I don’t believe it’ll happen.
“Coutinho was very good at Liverpool, but since then I’ve not been impressed and I’m not convinced by it.”
When Philippe Coutinho was playing for Liverpool, he was one of the best players in the whole of Europe. But ever since his move to Spain, the Brazilian has been plagued with constant injuries.
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Coutinho’s market value has dipped so badly that earlier this week there had been reports that Barcelona want to cash in on him but no club is willing to put in an offer for the 29-year-old.
Now, this sudden interest from Arsenal will be a massive upliftment for the Spanish side and if they can convince that injuries will not be a factor then Coutinho could very well be on his way to England.
Everton are another club who have been heavily linked with the Brazilian international but now that Carlo Ancelotti has gone to Madrid we doubt if the Toffees will be able to get their hands on him.
All in all, there’s no doubt that the once-successful Liverpool man will be a major gamble signing but the poor state that Arsenal are in are in right now, Mikel Arteta has no other option but to roll the dice and hope the right number comes up.
