Arsenal are reportedly in talks with Barcelona over a deal for Philippe Coutinho which could involve Matteo Guendouzi going the other way.
Coutinho has been widely tipped for a return to the Premier League ahead of next summer, with the former Liverpool attacker surplus to requirements at Camp Nou.
Chelsea, Tottenham, Leicester City and Newcastle United have all been linked with the 28-year-old, as well as FA Cup finalists Arsenal.
Guendouzi's Emirates future has been thrown into doubt after the midfielder was dropped by boss Mikel Arteta following his antics against Brighton last month, when he grabbed Neal Maupay around the throat.
And the Gunners and Barcelona are in talks over a swap deal involving the two players, according to Foot Mercato.
The publication says Arsenal technical director Edu has long courted Coutinho, while Guendouzi has been held in similar esteem by Barcelona chiefs.
Barcelona are keen to get Coutinho off the wage bill with the midfielder having failed to hit the heights he enjoyed at Liverpool since his transfer to Catalonia in January 2018.
The Brazilian is contracted to Barcelona until 2023, so will the club a fortune if he stays to see out his contract.
In a straight cash deal he would cost upwards of £60million, which would be a stretch for Arsenal given the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, with Arteta having been told he must sell before he can buy this summer.
Therefore, the Gunners boss must find more creative solutions - and a swap between Coutinho and Guendouzi would make sense after the French midfielder was left out of the squad for Arsenal's last eight games.
Arsenal's priority this summer is signing defenders and then holding midfielders.
However, the Gunners have an unusual relationship with Coutinho via his agent which could help engineer a move.
Kia Joorabchian is an Arsenal fan and is good friends with Edu. He also represents Gunners defenders David Luiz and Cedric Soares.
It remains to be seen whether Joorabchian's relationship with Arsenal and Coutinho's desire to return to the Premier League come together for what would be one of the most sensational transfers of the summer.
vishnuvpv
807
I think why can't we swap batameou with juventus president
raynknight
218
Some mysterious places of which no one has any clue what actually happens there : - ▪ Area 51 , USA ▪ Bermuda Triangle, Atlantic Ocean ▪ Lord Bartemou's brain
lukzlat910
130
Swapping Coutinho for Guendouzi??? If the Barca board accept this.....Barca fans to Bartomeu be like 😂😂😂
Soccerdude9
102
Barça should keep Coutinho. he is young, still have talent in him and could replace Arthur if Pjanic is not performing well.
FootballChief
73
This is good news for Arsenal, as Coutinho will bring more creativity having proven himself in premiership. And finally, Coutinho has opportunity of claiming no.10 but I’m not sure if Ozil will release the shirt.
Sopdinpst
66
Phil needs to come back. I swear if he gets swapped for a stupid player I'm done with Barcelona.
Zaodrst
42
honestly if there is a club i can't understand now its barca, they need players like coutinho i honestly think a midfield 3 of busquet, de jong and countinho has the making of a very good midfield paring, the thing with coutinho was he didnt click as he was deployed wide most of the time, yes he can play there but that's not his best position if i would be barca coach my priority would be retaining countinho and make sure i deploy him in his best position, as well as do everything i can to bring neymar back, MSN infront of coutinho and de jong i can't see how thats not the making of a great side a football fan really
Adamdinatan
16
28 isn't young. Plus hes lost his skill to be honest. Sell him and buy Laturo martinez
no one buy him with that salary
AveiroDawaon
11
I think why can't we swap batameou with juventus president
he will sell Ronaldo to Barça