Two factors boost Arsenal chances of snatching Aston Villa deal after contact is made

Arsenal have taken the first step towards signing Philippe Coutinho this summer, and a report has revealed why they could hold two advantages over Aston Villa.

Villa rolled the dice when bringing the Brazilian playmaker back to England in January. Despite setting the league alight with Liverpool, signing Coutinho was seen as a gamble after his career nosedived during his Barcelona days. What’s more, Coutinho had missed six months of action to begin 2021 through a serious knee injury.

However, Villa’s decision already has the hallmarks of a masterstroke with Coutinho rediscovering his best form in Birmingham.

Coutinho already has four goals and three assists to his name. Those contributions have helped push Villa into the top half of the table.

It’s been widely reported Villa hold an option to turn Coutinho’s loan deal permanent for £33m in the summer. However, it’s also emerged that price point is not fixed, meaning they could attempt to negotiate a lower fee if they desire.

Barcelona are hopeful they can offload Coutinho in the summer to clear the deck for other moves. The sticking point in a move to Villa Park will be Coutinho’s wages.

At present, Villa are only paying one quarter of his salary – £125,000-a-week. Even if Coutinho takes a significant pay-cut from his Barca wages, Villa could still be on the hook for well over £200,000-a-week.

Difficulties financing a move could leave the door for other suitors to pounce. Indeed, north London clubs Arsenal and Tottenham have both been linked.

Location and Europe could lure Coutinho?

Now, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo provide an update on a potential move to the Emirates. In doing so, they highlight two factors that could aid their pursuit.

Firstly, it’s stated Arsenal have taken the first step towards signing the 29-year-old by making contact with the Brazilian’s entourage. Arsenal have reportedly made it clear they’re among his list of suitors.

Their chase could be aided by potentially being able to offer Champions League football. The Gunners currently sit fourth in the table and are the favourites to finish in that position.

Furthermore, the article claims Coutinho and his family have always had an affinity for London. Whether that is true – or indeed relevant to Coutinho’s plans for the future – is open to debate.

Coutinho to snub Aston Villa for Arsenal this summer?

Coutinho may choose Arsenal over Aston Villa this summer as Barcelona exit looks likely

Nevertheless, it appears Villa are likely to face stiff competition for Coutinho’s signature this summer.

Signing a player of that age would be a breakaway from Arsenal’s recent transfer strategy. Their last summer window saw six first-teamers signed who were all aged 24 or under.

But with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah both free agents in the summer, plus Nicolas Pepe’s future coming to a head, Arsenal may be in desperate need of a burst of firepower.

Coutinho has already shown he is more than capable of providing it in the Premier League.