Arsenal are one of the clubs showing the most interest in a summer move for Philippe Coutinho, but they’ll struggle to afford his wages.

MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 05: Philippe Coutinho of FC Bayern Muenchen looks on during the DFB Cup round of sixteen match between FC Bayern Muenchen and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at Allianz Arena on February 05, 2020, in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY: Philippe Coutinho of FC Bayern Muenchen looks on during the DFB Cup on February 05, 2020. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)

That’s according to Mundo Deportivo in Spain, who report that Coutinho wants a return to the Premier League and Arsenal are the club showing the greatest interest in a move for him. However, they can’t afford to take over his wages in full.

Fabrizio Romano recently reported that Coutinho’s representatives are offering him out to many clubs, but he isn’t close to a move to any of them right now. The only thing that seems certain is that both player and club are keen on a summer transfer.

For the time being, Coutinho remains with Bayern Munich on loan, waiting for the Champions League in August. MD claim he’s asking his agents to pause their discussions on his future until after the conclusion of the competition.

Coutinho scored nine goals and assisted eight in 34 appearances before the end of the German domestic campaign. He contributed to a goal every 122 minutes, which is more than most Arsenal players can claim this season.

So the question is whether he could keep that up back in the Premier League. Plus, whether Arsenal can afford him even if he can. At the very least, Coutinho would have to take a significant salary cut.