Aston Villa's clear advantage ahead of Arsenal for Philippe Coutinho detailed

Aston Villa have been told they hold a clear advantage over Arsenal regarding their chances of signing Philippe Coutinho permanently in summer.

Villa reportedly have a £33 million option to make the loan deal that Steven Gerrard orchestrated in January permanent. However, Arsenal are reportedly taking an interest in the Brazilian following an impressive return to the Premier League.

Coutinho, 29, has scored four goals and recorded three assists in nine appearances for Villa, which has led to rumours circulating that Mikel Arteta may attempt to hijack any potential deal Villa aimed to do in the summer. The Arsenal boss would have had a perfect view of Coutinho's talents yesterday, as he played the full 90 minutes in the one nil loss his men on Saturday.

Coutinho recorded one key pass, two tackles, two duels won and two crosses completed in a frustrating afternoon at Villa Park, as Steven Gerrard's side struggled to gain any real momentum throughout the game.

Despite his struggles yesterday, it is looking likely that Villa will aim to make the loan move of Coutinho a permanent one in summer. Former Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has outlined the advantage his former club will have over any rivals attempting to sign Coutinho whilst speaking to Football Insider.

Where he stated: “Sometimes other clubs can be interested but when you’ve got a relationship with a manager that’s bigger than anything else.

"A manager who understands your game, a manager who knows how to play to get the best out of you, a manager who knows how to manage your body and rest. That’s what you really want as a player.

“His relationship with Gerrard and the chance that Villa have given him to get back to his best form, I really do think he will