Barcelona want to know Arsenal's final stance on Philippe Coutinho within 72 hours, according to reports. The Blaugrana want to decide on Coutinho's future as soon as possible, and it looks like he will leave this month.
It hasn't been easy for the 29-year-old since leaving Liverpool for Barça in 2018.
After two disappointing seasons in Spain, Coutinho was loaned to Bayern Munich, who did not sign him permanently.
Despite Xavi's presence at the helm, his function at Barcelona hasn't changed.
Arsenal may be able to help him out, but while they want him on loan, Barcelona would rather sell him permanently for £7.5m.
The Gunners wanted Coutinho on a six-month loan with a £5m buyout clause in the summer, paying him roughly £200,000 a week.
According to the report, Coutinho prefers Arsenal to any other club and has given Arteta and co till Wednesday to respond to their counter-offer.
Leicester City and Newcastle United have been mentioned as potential Premier League suitors if Arsenal decline their interest, although Coutinho likes the Emirates.
He may return to Brazil, where Atletico Mineiro and Palmeiras are vying for his signing.
Considering Arteta's burgeoning young attack, Coutinho's arrival at Arsenal would be illogical.
In the Spaniard's 4-2-3-1 style, he prefers one of three offensive positions behind the striker.
Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Emile Smith Rowe presently play those positions. Despite his excellent form, Smith Rowe has been benched recently.
Most Gunners fans don't want the club to risk disturbing their attack in the present and future by signing a high-paid starter.
Arteta has remained tight-lipped on Arsenal's January transfer plans, but he wants to strengthen his squad.
remarked he "It is useful to modify things, even if difficult. We're trying to figure out our demands and discover solutions."
However, Coutinho's future and Arsenal's January transfer ambitions remain uncertain.
After a dull period at Barcelona, the Brazilian's return to the Premier League would definitely raise eyebrows.
-7msport
