Coutinho enjoyed a quiet afternoon against Arsenal, Arsenal are reportedly’studying’ the potential of making a deal for him.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been linked with a bid for the Brazilian midfielder for some time, with reports suggesting they were keen before he signed for Aston Villa.
Arsenal was reportedly considering a move for his services, according to several sources from Spain.
After seeing him up close in their 1-0 victory at Villa Park on Saturday, it appears that they have decided to make a move.
The Gunners are looking into the idea of re-signing him when his loan stay with the Midlands club expires at the end of the season, according to Sport.
There is only one problem for Arsenal, and that is the fact that Villa have a £33 million option to make his move from Barcelona permanent, and given his performances for the club thus far, it would not be surprising if they exercised it.
Coutinho has made eleven appearances for Steven Gerrard since joining Villa Park in January.
He scored on his debut against Manchester United, and he went on to score three more goals. Coutinho has also set up three other times for his teammates.
After a peaceful afternoon against the Gunners on Saturday, he was unable to maintain that form.
Late in the game, the Brazilian almost had his say as he forced Bernd Leno into a stunning stop with a free-kick in the dying seconds.
Given the challenge Coutinho would face if he arrived at the Emirates Stadium, it would be fascinating to see Arsenal make a play for him. Mikel Arteta’s manager is presently Martin Odegaard.
Coutinho would also have to compete for a spot out wide with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Nicolas Pepe. Arteta, on the other hand, has already shown his appreciation for the Brazilian, praising his qualities ahead of the trip to Villa Park.
“We looked at many different players with qualities that he obviously had,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said in a press conference. “In the end, we went with a different option.”
“Obviously, when [Villa] is on the ball and in dangerous positions, the team [Villa] activates a lot of things,” he continued. He’s made a significant contribution while they’re attacking, so it’s something he should keep in mind.
“His ability to set goals, create opportunities, and open doors where none exist.” That was a quality he possessed (and continues to possess) while at Liverpool.”
Once Coutinho returns from his loan term with Villa, his Barcelona contract has another year left on it.