Aston Villa news: Pundit issues verdict on Philippe Coutinho potentially quitting to join ‘top-four club’
Noel Whelan has claimed Philippe Coutinho will repay the faith shown in him by Steven Gerrard by remaining at Aston Villa this summer.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested it “will be hard” to prise the 29-year-old away from the project at Aston Villa.
According to Spanish outlet Sport (13 March), Arsenal are monitoring Coutinho’s situation as they prepare to hijack a potential Aston Villa deal.
Speaking to Amazon Prime last week (11 March), Gerrard confirmed Villa have an option in place to turn the Brazillian’s loan permanent and insisted he wants him signed past the summer.
Arsenal face off against the Midlands side tomorrow (19 March) as Coutinho looks to add to his tally of seven goal contributions in nine league games.
Whelan suggested the Gunners have missed their opportunity to bring the former Liverpool star in.
“If it’s a choice between leaving to a top four club like Arsenal and staying at Aston Villa, I’m going to say that he’ll stay with Gerrard,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“I think they’re building something at Villa Park – and Coutinho wants to be a part of it, because of Gerrard. He won’t be jumping ship.
“Look, Arsenal had the opportunity to go out and get him in January and they didn’t. Who showed faith in him? Steven Gerrard and Aston Villa.
“He’s really enjoying his time at the club right now with the freedom and confidence he’s got back.
“I think it’ll be very hard to prise him away right now, even if they should be higher in the table.
“They have a quality, young side. They’ll be challenging up there next season, no doubt about it.”
In other news, Aston Villa sensation in advanced talks over new deal.