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.
