Barcelona remain intent on strengthening their squad ahead of the new season. Reports now hint that the Catalan club could turn their attention to north London. A report from Spanish outlet Sport claimed that Barcelona were interested in Gunners attacking duo Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette. However, the club’s current financial situation means they will be unable to make such moves and can only sign players now via swap deals.
Coutinho offered a chance to return to the Premier League
Philippe Coutinho joined Barcelona with so much promise from Liverpool in 2018. Having signed for a £106m article, much was expected of him in Spain but it has not turned out as planned. Far from it, the Brazilian went from being a world-beater to a player struggling for confidence so bad that he had to go on several loan spells.
Barcelona have tried to offload the 29-year-old severally, but his enormous wages have proven to be a stumbling block. However, a report via the Express now claims that Barcelona are considering offering Coutinho to Arsenal in exchange for the Gunners captain.
The Catalans might have signed Aguero from Manchester City this summer but it pretty much seems like the Argentine is way past his prime. It makes it worse that the ex-City man has struggled with multiple injuries over the past few seasons. In fact, the 33-year-old is yet to kick a ball for Barcelona but has already been ruled out for 10 weeks.
On the path of Coutinho, a return to the Premier League has been touted for a while and he could yet be getting his wish.
Arsenal’s need for a playmaker leaves room for a second thought
It is no secret that Arsenal are in search of a playmaker and desperately need one before the window runs out. The Gunners have been linked to a number of names including Houssem Aouar, Martin Odegaard and much recently James Maddison. However, funds have proven to be an issue and has stopped them from signing any of the aforementioned names.
Yet, a swap deal will mean little or no fees included and it would also sort the void needed in the ‘no 10’ role.
These reports of a potential swap deal involving Aubameyang also come at a time where the Gabonese forward has struggled for form. The Gunners captain saw his form decline towards the end of last season, with his body language called into question on several occasions.
Aubameyang also missed the start of Arsenal’s season as he missed out on the defeat to Brentford due to illness. After the game, Mikel Arteta made comments that hinted at a rather uncertain future for the 32-year-old at the club.
On paper, such a move could be a win-win situation as it will see both sides filling evident voids in their squad. However, it remains to be seen if Arsenal will be willing to move on from their captain, who only signed a new contract last summer.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
