La Liga Giants To Launch £53m Raid On Arsenal If They Fail To Sign Liverpool Star

Managers are now pressing ahead with their plans for the summer transfer window so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip from around the globe. Today, big news on possible moves for Mesut Ozil and Philippe Coutinho….

Barcelona will launch a £53m move to sign Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil if they fail to lure Philippe Coutinho away from Liverpool this summer, according to a report in the Express.

Barca are on the look-out for another attacker to replace Neymar as it looks increasingly likely that the Brazilian star is set to join Paris Saint-Germain in a sensational world record deal.

Coutinho has been touted as a prime target for the Catalans as he’s also capable of being Andreas Iniesta’s long-term replacement when he eventually leaves the Nou Camp.

Barcelona appear to be pushing hard to get a deal agreed for the 25-year-old and the Daily Mail claim the Spanish giants are growing optimistic that Coutinho will seek a move over the coming weeks.

However, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp insists they won’t sell their star man at any price and they are under no pressure to cash-in as Coutinho is tied to a long-term contract at Anfield.

It means Barca may need to find an alternative target and the Express are citing a report from Don Balon that claims they will turn their attention to Ozil if they can’t get a deal for Coutinho agreed.

The Spanish outlet suggests Barcelona are lining-up a £53m swoop for the German international and they like the idea of signing a player that is still highly-regarded among Real Madrid supporters after spending three years with their rivals.

Ozil has just one year remaining on his current contract and is yet to sign a new deal at the Emirates but Arsene Wenger insists he won’t be sold this summer even if he doesn’t commit to an extension.

However, the report says Barca are confident that stance will change if they put £53m on the table for a player Arsenal could lose for nothing in just 12 months time.

Ozil is settled in London and recently confirmed he hoped to agree terms over a new deal but the 28-year-old could have his head turned if he was given the chance to play for Barcelona.

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We’ll have to wait and see how things develop over the coming weeks but it’s going to be interesting to see who Barca end up buying if Neymar doesn’t eventually head to Paris.