Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard has suggested that it is ‘easy’ to convince Philippe Coutinho to play for the club in a major blow to Arsenal’s hopes of sealing a summer transfer. The Gunners have been linked with the Brazilian playmaker for some time and that is no different heading into the upcoming transfer window.
Reports have suggested that Edu and Mikel Arteta have decided to pursue his services after being left impressed with his performances since he returned to the Premier League from Barcelona. He has scored four goals and notched three assists in just ten appearances for Villa - albeit that does not appear to be enough to revive his career at the Camp Nou.
Arsenal are not expected to be the only side interested in his services though, with Villa understandably keen on making the move permanent, whilst Newcastle United have also been mentioned. It remains to be seen where the 29-year-old’s future lies but Gerrard has already hinted that it might not be too difficult to convince Coutinho to stay in the Midlands.
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As quoted by The Mirror, the former Liverpool star said: “Phil wouldn’t have come here if he didn’t believe in the club, if he didn’t believe in the people.
“He has experienced playing here as a player for many years with Liverpool. I think the compliment should go to the club. First and foremost the ambition from above to make it happen to get a player like Phil in.
“My part was the easy part , he was someone I had a fantastic relationship with as a player. Albeit when he goes to Barcelona and I go and do my stuff, of course it is different. But the easy thing for me was to get Phil Coutinho in an Aston Villa kit and get him to play well because he has huge talent.
“There are many things around talent but when you put those pieces back in place, it is only a matter of time before you play well. The bigger compliment needs to be aimed at the club and the people above me who helped me to make it happen.”
Ahead of any potential summer move, Coutinho also appears to have made a major decision that might give the Gunners hope. According to Mundo Deportivo, the Brazilian is not even considering a switch to Newcastle and is instead prioritising a switch to either Arsenal or Aston Villa.
