Will Coutinho end up picking Arsenal or Tottenham in January?
Stefan Bienkowski
- 25 Sept 2021 13:24 BST
- 3 min read
Barcelona are struggling this season after selling a number of their stars in the summer window but it seems as though the damage isn’t finished yet.
Reports in Spain continue to predict the departure of Philippe Coutinho in the January transfer window if the Catalan side can find a bidder.
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Following successful stints at Liverpool and Bayern Munich, the Brazilian playmaker isn’t an entirely lost cause. And as such, he has attracted some admirers.
Indeed, according to reports in England, the player may be subject to some serious interest from Premier League pair Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. So which club is more likely to sign him in the next window?
Do Arsenal have an advantage?
According to the Daily Express, Arsenal have a notable advantage over their local rivals due to the fact that sporting director Edu has history with Coutinho.
Before Edu was pulling the strings at Arsenal he was a director in the Brazil national team setup and got to know Coutinho very well.
Indeed, not only would Edu know how to get the best out of Coutinho in his best position, but would also be able to give the midfielder certain assurances that he would be valued at Arsenal.
Do Spurs stand a chance of signing him?
While Coutinho may have a good friend in Edu at Arsenal, he may be far more concerned about picking up game time in Mikel Arteta’s team due to the players already at the club. And that’s where Tottenham may have their own advantage.
While Arsenal have a number of No.10s in the form of Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka, while Tottenham are in desperate need of a player in that position with only one recognised No.10 in the form of Dele Alli.
Indeed, if Coutinho is looking for a starting role and plenty of exposure in his preferred position he may be better suited going to Tottenham.
