Arsenal have approached Philippe Coutinho’s agent over a move to the Emirates Stadium, reports Le10Sport.
Mikel Arteta is keen to bring the Brazilian to north London from Barcelona, where he is expected to be surplus to requirements once he returns to the Camp Nou from his loan at Bayern Munich.
Chelsea are reportedly keen to bring the former Liverpool playmaker back to the Premier League, but the Gunners are believed to have made first contact with agent Kia Joorabchian over a deal.
The Brazil international has spent the season on loan at Bayern Munich but the German champions are unwilling to make the deal permanent for €120 million (£105m).
Barcelona are looking to offload several players this summer in order to fund new signings and Coutinho is among those made available.