Arsenal could sign Philippe Coutinho for just £9million

Matteo Guendouzi could head in the opposite direction

Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona for a "notional" £9million, according to reports. The Independent are reporting that Coutinho could join Arsenal in a part-exchange swap deal involving Matteo Guendouzi, who Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is keen to move on as soon as possible. This swap deal would see Guendouzi and £9m go to Barcelona, with Coutinho coming to Arsenal in return in a permanent deal. Coutinho would fill the gaping hole left in the Arsenal squad since Mesut Özil has stopped being selected to play, for whatever reason. He can also play from the left which would allow Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to play through the middle. One potential obstacle to this deal going through is Juventus' interest in Guendouzi, with a potential swap deal there too. Coutinho is unlikely to move anywhere for straight cash this summer, given every big club has less money to spend, but plenty of assets to trade. Therefore, part-exchange swap deals are likely to be commonplace in this summer's transfer window.