Barcelona have reportedly quoted a price for Philippe Coutinho amidst surprising interest from Premier League club Arsenal – as per reports.
Barca have brought in Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid which means Philippe Coutinho is expected to fall down the pecking order so rumours in Spain have claimed that the La Liga outfit are looking for buyers for the Brazilian.
During the course of the transfer window, there were rumours that Liverpool are interested in trying to bring back their former playmaker to Anfield this summer but Jurgen Klopp was quick to squad down those reports.
“In general, Phil Coutinho helps each team in the world, still — 100%,” Klopp told ESPN FC during an exclusive interview.
“It’s not about that. I like Phil, I think he’s a fantastic footballer and all that stuff, but it would be a big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big-money signing and it’s not our year for that.
“It’s just not possible. As I said, having him would make each team better — us included — but I really hope that he finds his luck at Barcelona.
“Or maybe he found it there. We have contact, but not that close contact that I know exactly how he is doing, but the rest is only newspaper talk and stuff like that.
“If everything was true what newspapers write about me — wow! If it’s similar to what they write about me, I would say he’s completely happy at Barcelona and wants to sign a new six-year contract or whatever.”
And now with Barca struggling to find a permanent buyer for Philippe Coutinho have reportedly decided to offer him on loan and this new arrangement is right up Arsenal’s ally.
As per the latest reports, the Gunners have shown interest in signing the Brazilian on a loan deal with an option to buy at the end of the season and the Daily Express are claiming that the two clubs’ representatives are set to hold a meeting.
“Arsenal are set to take on Barcelona at the Nou Camp on Sunday for the pre-season Joan Gamper Trophy,” the report states.
“Off the pitch, the Gunners’ head of football Raul Sanllehi will be in attendance and is set to meet his Barcelona counterparts. And with talk over a move for Philippe Coutinho in the offing it is being claimed Sanllehi could look to secure a shock deal.
“Spanish publication Sport claim Barca are ready to send the Brazil ace out on loan with the Premier League the most likely destination.
As per the reports, the La Liga giants want £27m to let Philippe Coutinho move out on loan – a fee which shouldn’t be much of a problem for the North London club.
