‘Opportunity’: Journalist says 30-year-old Arsenal player could now be used in swap deal for Coutinho

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Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette could be used in a swap deal for Philippe Coutinho, Duncan Castles has suggested on the Transfer Window podcast.

Coutinho trade

There have been claims that Pierre Emerick Aubameyang could move to Barca as part of a deal to bring Coutinho to the Emirates Stadium.

But it seems that there is also potential for Lacazette to leave so that the Brazilian playmaker can arrive.

“One of those is a swap deal, Coutinho moving out of Barcelona to Arsenal and one of Alexandre Lacazette or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang going in the other direction to Barcelona,” Castles said.

“I think it says a lot about the state of both clubs that this type of deal is even being considered at present. Barcelona want a number nine and they’re scouring the market and see the opportunity in that Arteta is not happy with those two players.”

Fabrizio Romano has already stated that Arsenal are more willing to let Lacazette go than Aubameyang on the Arsenal Lounge.

Is Coutinho needed?

But whether Coutinho is actually needed in Mikel Arteta’s side now remains to be seen.

Arsenal are closing in on a deal for Martin Odegaard, who looks to be their first choice as a creator.

While Coutinho could theoretically play off the left, it would be tough to fit him, Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe into the same side.

Arsenal do seem to need a reshuffle up-front though, and it will be interesting to see if Mikel Arteta or Edu see the deal as one which could be valuable.