According to reports, Barcelona ‘admitted’ to Philippe Coutinho that he needed to leave Barcelona in January.
The ex-Liverpool man is working on the bench at Nou Camp, with Xavi preferring to select Barcelona’s younger prospects than the 29-year-old.
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And the playmaker has realized that in order to be selected in Brazil’s squad for next year’s World Cup, he has to play regular football.
Coutinho has been capped 63 times by Brazil, but starting just five La Liga games this campaign severely hampers his chances of making the 2022 World Cup squad.
Newcastle has been credited with interest in signing the playmaker, but Mundo Deportivo reports that he has no desire to join the Magpies.
Instead it is claimed that Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton are the three clubs that have filed offers to Coutinho’s agents.
However at this stage there is nothing ‘advanced’ with either club in terms of negotiations.
Barcelona are desperate to break free of Coutinho’s high salary after Ferran Torres arrived from Manchester City for £55m.
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Free signing Dani Alves also needs to register La Liga’s payroll.
And for a club that is already sailing close to the wind in terms of finances, ousting both Coutinho and Samuel Umtiti is a priority.
Club owners agreed with Coutinho’s representatives earlier this month that a move to January is beneficial to all parties.
With the transfer window opening later this week, Barcelona have a month to secure a move for the out-of-favour playmaker.
It is believed that the player he signed for £145million in 2018 sees Arsenal as his favorite destination.
Mikel Arteta is said to have given Coutinho the ‘green light’ to sign him as he looks to strengthen his squad amid an intense battle to finish in the top four.
Spanish outlet Sport reports that both Coutinho and his representative believe Arsenal can meet his ambition and salary demands.
After spending £150m over the summer, more than any other Prem team, the Gunners are ready to splurge cash again to return to the European podium.
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