Arsenal have contacted Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho’s representatives, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Catalan publication claim that the Gunners are keen on signing the Brazilian international if he doesn’t move on a permanent basis to Aston Villa at the end of the season.
Coutinho’s loan switch to Villa Park does include a €40m (£33m) option to buy but both parties would need to agree for the move to be finalised in the summer.
Mundo Deportivo reports that Coutinho has still not made a decision on his future. He is reportedly “focused” on this season as he looks to put a case forward to be included in Brazil’s World Cup squad.
However, Champions League football would be an attractive proposition for the former Liverpool player, while living in London is also something he’d be keen on doing. Even so, it’s clear that the identity of his next club will not be known before the end of May.