Arsenal Receive Boost In Pursuit Of Barcelona Superstar: Should Arteta Go For It?

According to Sport, Philippe Coutinho could be on the verge of a move to Arsenal in January. The Barcelona attacker is expected to leave Catalonia next month and it appears the player favours a move to Emirates. Barcelona are willing to sanction a loan deal for the Brazilian, who has no future at the club under the leadership of Xavi.

Philippe Coutinho’s Season So Far

Philippe Coutinho went into the new season with the hopes of making an impression under Ronald Koeman. After an injury curtailed his progression last season, the attacker was keen on making an impact, especially after the summer departure of the mercurial Lionel Messi, combined with the injuries of Ousmane Dembele and Ansu Fati.

However, the Brazilian has continued to struggle in La Liga, having scored just two goals in 12 league matches so far. He has not been able to showcase his technical prowess in the Barcelona camp while struggling with form and lack of productivity in the final third.

Coutinho’s lack of performances have led to restricted game-time, with the former Liverpool star mustering only five starts in the league so far. He has fallen behind the likes of Fati, Dembele and even the young guns like Gavi and Yusuf Demir in the pecking order, with virtually no chance of a late revival.

The playmaker’s status in the first-team has dwindled further under the leadership of Xavi, and with the club recently announcing the arrival of Ferran Torres, a move away from Catalonia appears to be the only option.

Should Mikel Arteta Sign Coutinho In January?

Arsenal are in no immediate need of reinforcements in the creative department, as the offensive trifecta of Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have done an excellent job.

However, with Nicolas Pepe facing an uncertain future at the club, coupled with Martin Odegaard’s hot and cold form, the potential addition of Coutinho could prove to be quite useful.

The Brazilian hasn’t quite been able to live up to his expectations at Barcelona. But he does have a proven track record in the Premier League, having been involved in almost 100 goals in 201 competitive appearances for Liverpool.

In addition to his experience, Coutinho could offer Arteta the tactical versatility and technical prowess that could help the Gunners add more quality and depth in their creative unit, ultimately making them better equipped to compete for the top four spots in the Premier League.