Arsenal could ‘gazump’ rivals and seal transfer for international ace as striker offer ‘prepared’

Arsenal could be set to rival Aston Villa for Philippe Coutinho this summer - but reports suggest that they would have to gazump the Villans.

The Brazilian playmaker has impressed since joining Villa on loan from Barcelona, and Coutinho’s temporary employers hold an option to make the deal permanent in the summer.

But Spanish outlet Fichajes report that both the Gunners and West Ham United are considering summer swoops for the 29-year-old.

The story suggests that Barcelona could sell Coutinho to a club whose offer exceeds Villa’s purchase option - which reports have suggested stands at around £33million.

Mikel Arteta is known to be a big fan of the former Liverpool man, with Arsenal having been heavily linked with a loan move for Coutinho during the early weeks of the January transfer window.

Elsewhere, ESPN claim that Lyon are preparing a lucrative summer offer for striker Alexandre Lacazette.

The French international sees his contract at the Emirates Stadium expire at thee end of the current campaign, and the Ligue 1 side have made no secret of the fact they would be keen on landing the forward this summer.

Indeed, the report suggests that Lyon are prepared to assemble a ‘huge proposal’ to lure Lacazette back to the Groupama Stadium.

His departure from North London could signal the beginning of a major summer overhaul in the forward areas, with Eddie Nketiah also set to see his contract expire.