ARSENAL are trying to haggle with Barcelona over Philippe Coutinho’s wages to secure a season-long loan, according to reports.
The Gunners have emerged as frontrunners to land the Brazilian with the playmaker heading for the Nou Camp exit door this summer.
Boss Mikel Arteta has told Arsenal chiefs to get the deal over the line as he bids to build a squad capable of finishing inside the top four.
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But his £240,000 weekly wages remain the biggest stumbling block with the Gunners unable to pay the full whack, especially with no European football next season.
So they will ask the Catalan giants to come to an agreement where both clubs contribute to his pay packet, write Spanish publication RAC1.
Coutinho, who has spent the season at Bayern Munich, is believed to be keen on reigniting his career in the Premier League.
The 28-year-old enjoyed a successful stint with Liverpool before a £142million switch to Barcelona in January 2018.
And the player’s agent has made it no secret that a return to England would be a priority for the player.
Kia Joorabchian told talkSPORT: “Because the Champions League is going to run all the way until August 23, I think it will be difficult for players like Coutinho to make any commitment or move until that date.
“He has the Champions League at the moment and they have to qualify for the next round [against Chelsea], and then he could play Barcelona, believe it or not.
“After the Champions League, it’s not been a secret that he wants to come back to the Premier League if he can; he loves playing in the Premier League and is adored in the Premier League.
“It is one of his priorities… but he is also not against staying at Barcelona, so it is very much open.”
It is believed Barca would require a £10m loan fee to let him leave with Tottenham also interested.
Coutinho bagged nine goals and assisted a further eight in 34 Bundesliga appearances this campaign, showing glimpses of his former self.
But the German champions have opted against signing him permanently for £108m.
