Arsenal have started discussions with Barcelona over a potential swap deal for out-of-favour midfielder Philippe Coutinho, according to express.co.uk. Mikel Arteta has already admitted he has “big concerns” over a lack of spending power this summer.
Doing business by swapping players is one of the ways the Spaniard can get around his strict financial budget.
Foot Mercato claim the Gunners are launching an audacious attempt to sign former Liverpool ace Coutinho.
The Brazilian is out of favour at the Nou Camp and was shipped out on loan to Bayern Munich this campaign.
While at the Allianz Arena, the 28-year-old stills struggled to rediscover his best form.
Coutinho is thought to want to return to the Premier League where he enjoyed the best spell of his career. And it is suggested Arsenal will look to trade holding midfielder Matteo Guendouzi for the playmaker.
Arteta fell out with the Frenchman after he grabbed Neil Maupay around the throat during a recent clash against Brighton.
Guendouzi was excluded from the squad which beat Manchester City 2-0 to reach the FA Cup final. Foot Mercato add that Arsenal have been in contact with Coutinho’s advisors for several months.
The shock report also claims that Barcelona are long-term admirers of Guendouzi and would be open to taking the player.
Coutinho’s agent Kia Joorabchian has recently admitted his client is looking for a return to England’s top-flight. He has a desire to come back to the Premier League at some point,” he told Sky Sports.
“It may not happen this year, it may happen this year – we don’t know. We have not discussed anything for now.”
Barcelona missed out on the La Liga title this year so manager Quique Setien wants to strengthen in the next window.
However, he will have to rebalance the squad by offloading some fringe players before he can dip into the market given the club’s recent spending.
