Report: Arsenal and Tottenham want £142m player, January move could happen

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According to El Nacional, Arsenal and Tottenham remain interested in signing Philippe Coutinho, who is allowed to leave Barcelona.

What’s the story?

Well, the Spanish news outlet believe Coutinho could soon be working with either Mikel Arteta or Nuno Espirito Santo in north London.

El Nacional believe Liverpool and Jürgen Klopp have already turned down the chance to re-sign the Brazil international.

As part of the £142m deal which took Coutinho to Barcelona, the Reds will be owed €20m (£17m) when the midfielder reaches 100 appearances.

The 29-year-old is currently on 93.

Judging by the report, Barcelona are seemingly planning to hand Coutinho a few appearances before January to attract interest, before offloading him in the winter transfer window.

Arsenal and Tottenham are potential destinations, and Barcelona hope to tempt them into an initial loan deal with an option to buy in the summer.

Coutinho would be a great signing for Arsenal or Tottenham

In our view, Coutinho would improve either of the north Londoners if he made a return to England.

The former Inter Milan maestro made 152 Premier League appearances across six seasons at Anfield, scoring 41 goals and providing 35 assists.

Coutinho knows the Premier League well, and still has plenty to offer after a few very difficult seasons in La Liga.

The South American made just eight starts in La Liga last term, scoring two goals.

With an initial loan to test him out first, this potential deal seems too good to be true for Arsenal or Tottenham.

Hopefully, one of the pair take Coutinho away from the Camp Nou, as it would be great to see him back in the Premier League.