ARSENAL are reportedly lining up a shock summer swoop for Philippe Coutinho.
Sport claims Mikel Arteta has been keeping a close eye on the Barcelona playmaker ever since his loan move to Aston Villa.
Arsenal are lining up a summer swoop for Aston Villa loanee Philippe Coutinho
And with Arsenal betting on a return to the Champions League next season, they want to sprinkle some gold dust on their squad by landing in-form Coutinho ahead of Villa.
The ex-Liverpool ace has been in sensational form under Steven Gerrard, putting on a star performance in recent wins over Leeds and Southampton.
Aston Villa can make Coutinho’s loan permanent for £33million at the end of the season.
And although there are worries over his £25m-a-YEAR Nou Camp wages, Gerrard has instructed Villa to start the process of bringing Coutinho back to England.
However, Villa could now find themselves being cut out of the loop by Arsenal.
Arteta considered loaning Coutinho ahead of Villa in January before deciding to stick with his current options.
But Coutinho’s mind-blowing performances have convinced Arteta that he is more than capable of still playing at the top level.
And Arsenal are ready to match Villa’s transfer offer, with the potential added bonus of Champions League football.
Barcelona are open to other parties joining the fray, and even expect Tottenham and West Ham to come forward.
But the Spaniards want to usher Coutinho out permanently by June 30 in order to balance the books ahead of a summer splurge.
It’s reckoned Barca’s top target is Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland.
But they are also closing in on free transfers for Chelsea pair Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta.
