Arsenal are now leading the race to sign Barcelona attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho, according to reports in the Catalan media.
The Gunners are reportedly in discussions with the La Liga club about a season-long loan deal, with the only obstacle being the Brazilian’s £240,000 a week salary.
It is believed that the London club will ask for Barca to supplement his wages if he moves to the Emirates this summer. Fans on Twitter had a mixed reaction to the prospect of Coutinho moving on loan:
Would be a great deal if this happens
— Ricky Marvin (@ricky_marv26) July 31, 2020
He is gonna flop, just a faster Özil
— Andy (@whatandysays1) July 31, 2020
FC LOAN
— B (@lodbrokh) July 31, 2020
So, ambitious clubs are buying, meanwhile down at the #LoanFc …..Trying to think of a loan deal that's truly worked out for us, Ceballos is the best example?? ?
— JohnMadrid (@jwmadrid) July 31, 2020
Loan fc next season tenth place is ours
— Dihandojr (@dihandojr) July 31, 2020
Am for this please…….Rac1 reliable source….sharing of wages seems like a cool deal but how much of loan fee are we paying
— AnthonioGunner (@anthonio_4real) July 31, 2020
Same story hope this one goes well…
— Solomonideriah (@solomonideriah) July 31, 2020
Going after Coutinho is a gamble in a couple of ways. Loans are not free. Bayern paid an initial €8.5m to snap up the Brazilian international last season before opting against keeping him. That money could be better spent on signing a player on a permanent basis.
Another concern is the former Liverpool player’s form. Coutinho has failed to make an impression at two different clubs since leaving Anfield and at 28 years of age, there are signs that he is in decline. However, if he can recapture his best performances, it could still be a good move.