Arsenal could reportedly attempt to hijack Aston Villa's bid to sign Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona on a permanent deal.
The Brazilian has made an immediate impact back in the Premier League under Steven Gerrard with four goals and three assists in nine top-flight appearances so far.
Villa are expected to pursue a permanent deal for Coutinho in the summer and possess a reported £33m option-to-buy clause, with Barca desperate to offload the 29-year-old.
However, Sport claims that Arsenal are waiting in the wings should Coutinho not pen a permanent deal at Villa Park, with the Gunners previously linked with his signature over the past few transfer windows.
The report claims that Coutinho intends to further his career in the Premier League after the end of the season, with Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United also keeping a close eye on developments.
The ex-Liverpool man is seemingly set to leave Barcelona having amassed 25 goals and 14 assists in 106 matches for the club since his £142m arrival in 2018.
Ben Knapton
