Coutinho-Aubameyang swap unlikely after Odegaard signing

Arsenal's move for Martin Odegaard has thrown a real spanner in the works for Barcelona's efforts to swap Philippe Coutinho for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The Gunners made significant progress in a move to sign the young Norwegian playmaker on a permanent deal yesterday, after taking the player on loan from Real Madrid last season. Arsenal will spend around 40 million euros to sign the player, who has a promising future ahead of him.

With this addition, Arsenal are now less desperate to sign Coutinho. Not only because they play in similar positions, but because of the total cost of the Odegaard transfer. They retain an interest in 'Cou', since he is a talented player who is available at an accessible price in this window, but they want to take their time to assess whether or not a move is viable.

Barça, therefore, are left with no other option but to wait for news from North London and continue offering the player to other clubs until the window closes. The fact that domestic seasons have now kicked off is something that could work in Barcelona's favour, as clubs will quickly identify their weaknesses and try to address them before the end of August. There is hope that a player of Coutinho's pedigree could be an attractive proposition for various teams.

EFFORTS TO SIGN A STRIKER

This breakdown in negotiations will affect Barça in more ways that one. Not only have they been thwarted in their efforts to get Coutinho's wages off their books, but they may also miss out on the opportunity to bolster their attack with a player of Aubamayang's quality.

Koeman wants to sign an experienced striker with a good goalscoring record, and the Gabon international ticks both of these boxes. However, for the time being, a move to Barça looks unlikely and he may need to move to another club before the window closes.

The Dutch head coach would feel more comfortable with another striker, but he is aware that the club's financial situation may render this impossible.