Arsenal Favourites To Sign Barcelona Midfielder In January, Tottenham And Newcastle Are Set To Miss Out

Arsenal are now favourites to sign Philippe Coutinho in January, with the Barcelona outcast understood to prefer a loan move to the Emirates next month.

Coutinho is set to be allowed to leave the Nou Camp after falling out of favour under new head coach Xavi.

The former Liverpool midfielder, 29, has reportedly attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle and Everton.

Coutinho has failed to live up to expectations at Barcelona (Image: Alamy)

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Coutinho would prefer a move to the Gunners, who are currently fourth in the Premier League after a run of four consecutive league wins.

Arsenal have emerged as the frontrunners to sign the Brazilian after being offered him earlier this month.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has previously confirmed the club is working on January targets.

“It would be useful to change something, even if it is never easy,” he said earlier this week.

“We are working towards this, to understand what our needs are, and to find the right solutions.”

Newcastle have also been heavily linked with a move for Coutinho as they look to sign reinforcements in their battle against relegation. 

Coutinho scored 54 goals in 201 games for Liverpool (Image: Alamy)

The Magpies could offer the Brazilian a highly lucrative contract to join them in January, with club’s new owners prepared to back manager Eddie Howe in the transfer market.

However, Coutinho is reportedly reluctant to join Newcastle given their current league position of second bottom - two points adrift of safety.

Barcelona are keen to offload Coutinho as they look to balance the books following the arrival of Ferran Torres in a £55m move from Manchester City.

Newcastle, Tottenham and Everton have also been linked with the Brazilian (Image: Alamy)

According to reports in Spain, Barcelona need to sell players next month to remain within La Liga’s salary cap rules.

Coutinho is now deemed surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp after failing to live up to his huge £142m price-tag, which Barcelona paid Liverpool in 2018.

The Brazil international is now set to leave the club, having managed a disappointing return of 25 goals in 106 appearances over the course of his four seasons in Spanish football.

Topics: Philippe Coutinho, Arsenal, Barcelona, La Liga, Premier League, Transfers, Football

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan