Barcelona midfielder Phillipe Coutinho would prefer a loan move to Arsenal in the January transfer window over other Premier League clubs, according to reports.
Spanish outlet Sport claims the 29-year-old is “leaning towards a move to Arsenal” over some of the club’s Premier League rivals, with Barcelona reportedly desperate to offload the 29-year-old in the upcoming window.
Coutinho has fallen out of favour at Barcelona and has played just 12 times in the league this season, scoring two goals.
Tottenham, Everton and Newcastle are also said to be keeping tabs on the former Liverpool man but Coutinho would reportedly prefer a transfer to Arsenal because the club will match his ambition and wage demands.
Newcastle’s current league position means Coutinho would not be keen on a move to Tyneside, despite the club’s financial backing.
He has reportedly been offered to both Arsenal and Tottenham in recent weeks and despite initial hesitation over a move because of the amount he earns, the Gunners are said to be open to a deal if Coutinho reduces his weekly wage.
The Brazilian reportedly earns £200,000 a week at the Spanish giants but accepts he would need to take a pay cut in order to secure a move away from the Nou Camp.
Barcelona recently announced the £55m signing of Ferran Torres from Manchester City but are looking to offload senior players such as Coutinho and Samuel Umtiti as the club looks to reduce its debt totalling over £1bn.