Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur to face off in the race for Philippe Coutinho
According to El Nacional (h/t Daily Star), North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are set to go head to head for the signing of Barcelona flop Philippe Coutinho in the January transfer window.
The Brazilian moved to the Nou Camp from Liverpool in 2018 to much fanfare and an absurd transfer fee. His stint in Catalonia has been a disaster, to say the least, and he has seen his stock fall considerably since.
Barcelona are currently embroiled in a severe financial mess and are open to parting ways with the Brazilian maestro. This has caught the attention of the North London giants who are now keeping tabs. (h/t Daily Star)
Both sides are in need of a creator from midfield and could make a move to land Coutinho on loan. They will be aided by the knowledge that Liverpool have no intention of taking the Brazilian back to Anfield.
The 29-year-old was a bonafide superstar on Merseyside and a regular game-changer for Liverpool. He made 152 Premier League appearances for the Reds and was part of the squad that almost won the league in 2013/14. It is fair to say that the best years of his career was at Liverpool.
With Giovani Lo Celso struggling, Spurs could definitely do with imagination in midfield. A proven talent in the English top-flight, Coutinho on paper is a solid choice. Questions however remain on whether the midfielder is still the player he was once.
Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman rates the player and his departure will further handicap the Dutchman’s rebuild. Barcelona are in a pit of their own making and it would appear the Coutinho experiment will end as an unqualified disaster.
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With Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann no more at the club, the stage was set for Coutinho to become the main man. The Brazilian has however failed to step up and was not helped by injuries either. He has played just 82 minutes so far this season.
