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Tottenham And Arsenal Set For January Transfer War To Sign Out-Of-Favour Barcelona Star

Tottenham And Arsenal Set For January Transfer War To Sign Out-Of-Favour Barcelona Star

The Barcelona star has struggled to make his mark so far in Spain.

Tom Fenton

Tom Fenton

Arsenal and Spurs could be set to scrap it out to sign former Liverpool ace Philippe Coutinho in January.

The Barcelona midfielder has struggled to produce his best form while in Spain, opening to door to a possible Premier League return - El Nacional reports.

Coutinho signed for the Catalan Giants back in January of 2018 for an eye-watering £142m.

A frustrating three and a half years have since ensued, in which the 29-year-old has frequently found himself on the sidelines.

Given that his best ever form as a player came in the Premier League under Jurgen Klopp with Liverpool, it would make a fair bit of sense for the Brazilian to return to England.

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PA

It looks increasingly likely too, with North London rivals Arsenal and Spurs supposedly keeping tabs on him.

Barcelona are still looking to reduce their wage bill after recent La Liga sanctions, meaning that selling Coutinho, who has only scored 15 goals since arriving in Catalonia, would appear to make a huge amount of sense.

The Gunners would need to shell out even more money if they wish to sign the playmaker in January, after spending just over £150 million on six players already this summer.

However, with goals particularly hard to come by for Mikel Arteta's side, it could be a very shrewd investment if fans get to see the Coutinho of old.

With Spurs also spending a fair amount of money already this season, both clubs could instead try to agree on a loan of some kind this winter.

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PA

While not thought to be Barca's preference, it would be a much more affordable way for the Premier League side's to make a deal happen.

In addition, with questions lingering over his abilities at the age of 29, a loan which allows any interested party to try before they buy is a very attractive option.

However, while top-four rivals Arsenal and Spurs are reportedly keen, one club which isn't expected to make a move is Liverpool.

In spite of the midfielder scoring 52 goals in 201 appearances for The Reds, El Nacional claims that Jurgen Klopp is not interested in bringing his former player back to Anfield.

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Topics: Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona, Jurgen Klopp, Arsenal