Philippe Coutinho takes major move as Arsenal could pave way for Aston Villa deal

Philippe Coutinho is ready to part company with Barcelona this summer - and is willing to take a pay cut in a bid to secure a move back to the Premier League on a permanent basis.

The former Liverpool playmaker is currently on loan at Villa where he has produced some stellar performances having joined the club in the January transfer window.

Villa want to make his move permanent in the summer and there is an agreement in place that would allow them to secure his signature for a fee of around £33m.

But according to the latest reports in Spain, it is being claimed that Coutinho would be happy to take a pay cut on his reported £400,00-a-week wages at the Camp Nou.

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Arsenal have been tipped to offer Manchester United's Marcus Rashford an escape route from Old Trafford this summer - and it could help Aston Villa land Philippe Coutinho.

According to the Mirror, the Gunners are tracking the England star as they seek a top-class centre forward to lead the line at the Emirates next season.

With Alexander Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah both out of contract, it will leave boss Mikel Arteta short of options up front which has led them to look at Rashford.

But he is likely to cost a huge transfer fee not to mention his wages and it is unlikely that the Gunners could afford the forward and shell out on Coutinho at the same time.

And that would leave Villa in pole position to land Coutinho this summer with head coach Steven Gerrard keen to secure the little magician on a long-term contract.

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Steven Gerrard has revealed he has spoken to Jamie Carragher about the "challenges" at Aston Villa and says a top-half finish can be a real platform to build on for next season.

The Villa boss has done a fine job so