Arsenal have reportedly commenced transfer negotiations with Barcelona for former Liverpool playmaker Phillippe Coutinho who has endured a difficult time since he left the Reds two-and-a-half years ago. The Brazilian and Barcelona was far from his best during his debut season with the Camp Nou outfits who paid £142m to Liverpool for his services.
As part of their decision to cut their losses, the Catalans accepted a season-long offer from Bayern Munich for Coutinho’s services prior to the start of this season. Though the playmaker hasn’t really returned to the beastly form he is known, he has shown glimpses of brilliance for the Bavarians this campaign having scored eight goals in 22 league matches.
It was initially reported that the Bundesliga powerhouse might explore the €120m release clause in the deal with the Blaugranas in the summer transfer window, although the German club has publicly debunked the report. Bayern’s decision to turn down the chances of signing the attacking midfielder on a permanent deal has ultimately offered Premier League side Arsenal a great opportunity to bring Coutinho back to England’s top-flight league next season.
According to the transfer report making headlines via Football London, the Gunners are more than ready to complete the 27-year-old’s signature before the next campaign.
Is Arteta making the right choice by targeting a player who seems to have past his prime or Can Arteta help the player return to his best form once again? Here are three reasons why Arteta’s desire to bid for the Brazilian star is a great and welcome idea.
1. Getting used to the Premier League would not be a problem
Coutinho is no stranger to the English Premier League and its physically demanding nature having played 152 league matches for Liverpool (Premierleague.com). The Barcelona playmaker knows what to expect from English opponents, hence he won’t find it difficult to hit the ground running as soon as he joins the Emirates Stadium outfits.
2. His experience makes him Ozil’s perfect replacement
Mesut Ozil’s future has been a subject of speculation for some months as the German star continues to be linked with a move out of North London. Though the Gunners have reportedly made a list of youngsters who could replace the unsettled star, Coutinho appears to be one of the best players for the Gunners playmaking position due to his experience and obvious quality.
3. His versatility and goalscoring potentials
Signing Coutinho arguably means getting a three-in-one player because he can feature as an attacking midfielder, a right-wing, and a left-winger. He could swap positions with Nicholas Pepe or Lacazette during matches depending on Arteta’s tactics and formation.
Apart from his versatility, Coutinho has proven to be a goalscoring midfielder who can inspire the team to victory if the strikers fail to find the back of the net. Having played 39 games in all competitions this season, the Brazilian star has been involved in 17 goals (Transfermarkt) which means he is guaranteed to score some important goals for Arteta’s side.
