Three Premier League clubs competing to sign Barcelona winger

Not long ago, Barcelona were struggling to find suitors for a certain Philippe Coutinho. But things have taken a turn for the better for the Brazilian since his loan move to Aston Villa during the January transfer window.

Having moved back to the Premier League, the 29-year-old has thrived under former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard, quickly becoming a vital player for the Midlands outfit. In just ten appearances for his loan club, he has already registered four goals and three assists.

Just a couple of months into his loan stint at Aston Villa and clubs are already lining up to sign him permanently in the summer transfer window, reports Mundo Deportivo.

As part of the loan agreement with Barcelona, the Villans have an option to make Coutinho’s transfer permanent for a fee of €40 million deal. Manager Steven Gerrard has already hinted that the club would be keen on exercising the clause, but wages could prove to be a roadblock.

In addition to that, Aston Villa have now been joined by Arsenal and Newcastle United in the chase for the ex-Liverpool playmaker.

Arsenal have been long-time admirers of the Brazilian, while Newcastle United have also tried to sign him previously, during the January transfer window. Coutinho, however, had rejected the Magpies in the winter, and as per the report, will do so again.

Even though the cash-rich Magpies can offer him a contract on par with his Barcelona deal, the attacking midfielder does not intend to move to St James’ Park in the summer.

It is claimed that he would rather be willing to take a pay cut and continue at Aston Villa as he feels settled and happy at the club, where he is now a key player and a leader.

While Coutinho will look at any other offers that come for him, he prefers to continue at Villa Park. At the same time, he has no interest, whatsoever, in signing for Newcastle United.

It remains to be seen where he ends up next season, but Barcelona will be licking their lips about the prospect of permanently offloading him at last.