Transfer Rumors: Coutinho Could End Up At Emirates Stadium If Wages Slashed

Arsenal F.C. is looking at all options to beef up their midfield position. With injuries to key players such as Shkodran Mustafi, Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers, Mike Arteta is on the prowl for available midfielders in the market. One name that is reportedly on their list is Philippe Coutinho.

Coutinho is currently on loan with Bayern Munich, the future of the 28-year-old is up in the air. Seeing also how he has not played up to par this season, critics feel that only a handful of teams would take a risk on the Brazilian midfielder.

This season, Coutinho has accounted for only nine goals and eight assists for Bayern in 34 appearances. He has three years remaining in his deal with Barcelona though several teams are interested. And the latest club to join that mix is Arsenal F.C.

But the problem of exploring options with Coutinho falls on the expensive transfer fee. According to Sport, clubs would need to pay roughly $23 million for the loan and another $11 million to cover the Brazilian's wages. Based on his performance, those financial numbers may not make sense to clubs right now.

But with an uncertain future ahead of him, the best Coutinho can consider right now is to take a pay cut. It is something he may not be amenable to but a need if he wants to continue playing in. If no one takes him in, he may be left idle in the sidelines.

Should he agree to take a pay cut, heading to Arsenal makes a lot of sense. With three defenders injured, Coutinho could be a good fit for the cause of Arteta. Further supporting this is the fact that his agent, Kia Joorabchian, holds good ties with Gunners management. However, the fact remains that Arsenal is strapped for cash, meaning they can only pay Coutinho to a certain extent.

Aside from Arsenal, other clubs have expressed interest in Coutinho. Liverpool F.C. and Tottenham have been linked to the Brazilian football player. A move to Anfield makes sense since he could reunite with former coach Jurgen Klopp. But as mentioned in a previous report, the 28-year-old may need to mend ties first before he is considered by The Reds.