Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho is keen to join Arsenal next month.

Coutinho, 29, has been linked with a host of English clubs after falling out of favour at the Nou Camp. New Barca boss Xavi has informed the Brazilian that he can expect limited minutes under his stewardship.

Arsenal, Everton, Tottenham and Newcastle have been alerted to Coutinho's decline at Barcelona and are all reportedly keeping tabs on the former Liverpool star.

Sport says Coutinho is leaning towards a switch to north London in January, with Mikel Arteta's Gunners said to match both his ambitions and wage demands.

Coutinho is aware that he would need to climb down from his staggering £200,000-per-week wage to seal a Nou Camp exit, but wants a destination that meets his goals on the pitch.