Arsenal are monitoring the situation of Philippe Coutinho ahead of a potential move for the on-loan Aston Villa midfielder.
Coutinho has starred since signing on loan for Aston Villa during the January transfer window, with the Barcelona midfielder having scored four goals and provided three assists in eight Premier League starts.
The Brazilian’s performances have reportedly alerted Arsenal, who have previously been credited with an interest in the 29-year-old but overlooked a potential deal in January.
The Premier League’s leading sides passed on the chance to sign Coutinho during the winter window, following the midfielder’s struggle to make an impression at the Camp Nou.
Spanish outlet Sport are reporting that the Gunners have been impressed with Coutinho’s return to English football, however, and have made contract with the player’s representatives over a potential deal.
Villa have the option to sign Coutinho on a permanent basis for a fee of around £33m, though a decision and agreement has not yet been reached despite Steven Gerrard’s desire to keep his former Liverpool teammate at the club.
Barcelona are understood to be anticipating further Premier League interest should a move to Villa not be finalised, with both Tottenham and West Ham mentioned as possible suitors.
The Spanish side are keen to conclude a deal before June 30, however, in a bid to help balance the books amid their current financial situation.
