As the days go on, Barcelona’s attempt to land Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool seems to get more complicated. After agreeing personal terms with the player, Barcelona hoped that a bid of 90 million euros would be enough to get Coutinho.
But Liverpool rejected the initial bids and are holding out for something in excess of 100 million euros. The club would prefer to get the entire amount, as opposed to including a player in the deal and thereby reducing the price.
ALSO READ : Liverpool reject Barcelona’s swap deal for Coutinho
Meanwhile, Barcelona are already hatching a plan B, in case Coutinho does not come. Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil is their contingency plan, as they will turn to the former Real Madrid player if things don’t work out.
Ozil was a star during his three years at Madrid, and was respected by the Barcelona team. Fabregas even said that many players in the Catalan camp felt that Ozil was Real’s best player after Cristiano Ronaldo.
If Barcelona were to move for Mesut Ozil, it would again be a complicated transfer to pull off. Ozil, who is in his last year of contract with Arsenal, has shown signs that he willing to extend his stay with the Gunners. But his head might turn if Barcelona come calling.
The World Cup winner is yet to win the Champions league, and he might feel that he would have a great opportunity to do that with Barcelona. His loyalties with Real Madrid may play a factor though, as he might not want to upset his former club.
Arsene Wenger has publicly stated that he will not sell Ozil or Sanchez this summer. His insistence on keeping hold of his star players might become another hurdle for Barcelona to overcome.
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