Coutinho is up for offer to both Arsenal and Chelsea – Where’s the best destination

Philippe Coutinho’s frantic search for a new club continues. Arsenal and Chelsea are still the only two clubs being linked with a transfer for the Barcelona player.

Reports suggest Barcelona’s eagerness to offload Coutinho to the highest bidder has not altered and will stay that way until it is confirmed he is gone for good. The Spanish club is now willing to sell to both Premier League clubs, Arsenal and Chelsea.

The pair have been heavily considered during the COVID-19 break, with Chelsea said to be the closest to signing the player. Initially, it was first the Gunners who looked very close to signing the Brazilian just before he opted to join German side, Bayern Munich, last January.

Unhappily, his love for Liverpool was still too strong for him to move to a top-six rival. Even though the player has been doing well in the Bundesliga, Barca’s remain adamant they don’t want to keep him and Bayern have their attention on other priority targets.

More from Arsenal

• Arsenal injury news: Mikel Arteta confirms “rapid” attacker suffered injury
• Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta rivals Manchester United for wonderkid
• Arsenal predicted lineup vs PSV: Mikel Arteta to drop “Henry-esque” winger
• Alan Shearer blasts “slow” Arsenal player – Should Mikel Arteta drop him?
• “Beast” Arsenal fans have noticed the GREAT form of fringe midfielder

This leaves Liverpool (they will always be named as a possible destination as long as Phil’s able to play football), Arsenal, and Chelsea in the running for Coutinho. But who of the latter two will best suit him, respecting Liverpool’s stern stance in not wanting to re-sign their ex-golden child?

Arsenal as a choice

If he joins Arsenal he should be strolling into the starting 11. He will undoubtedly add quality to a side in dire need of experience and talent. He has both. The North London side’s best offer is first-team space and Europa League at best.

Silverware? Surely it can be said they of all top-six clubs are the furthest away from gaining any tin cups. If he was after any major trophies, the Emirates should be the last place on earth for a final decision.

Although, he could be the player to help bring them back to the Champions League and fighting for top honours. But did he not leave Liverpool because he was tired of this? Would this not be counted as a sideways move, or even backwards?

"Arsenal and Chelsea will be offered the chance to sign Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho this summer, with Bayern Munich set to turn down the chance to turn the 27-year-old Brazil international’s loan spell with them into a permanent move. (Via: BBC Sports)"

Chelsea – Champions League pending

When you have Champions League football as a bargaining chip, you will always have the better hand in negotiations. The Blues are already said to have met privately with the Brazilian’s entourage.

This is encouraging for them. They can seal a permanent deal or a loan deal with an option to buy. Their Champions League spot is intact, but only just. Any late slip-ups and they lose their strong hand.

Phil wants to play on the big stage. His love for Liverpool will fade away with a more lucrative deal. Chelsea is only failing at defending, with them being the second-highest conceding team of the usual top six.

Other than that, Chelsea’s plans are already in motion and Lampard’s had a full season to work with his Chelsea side. Phil will be walking into something very promising. This is why Chelsea is the better fit for Phil.