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Barcelona should sign Alexis Sanchez instead of Philippe Coutinho - Paul Merson
ALEXIS SANCHEZ would be a much better signing for Barcelona instead of Philippe Coutinho, according to Paul Merson.
Jurgen Klopp rubbishes new Philippe Coutinho transfer rumours
Barcelona have been desperate to find a replacement for Neymar since he left to join Paris Saint-Germain for a world record fee of £198million.
The La Liga giants are keen to reinvest all of the money in bringing in a replacement.
Ousmane Dembele is seen as the direct replacement for the Brazil international with his natural fit onto the left side of Barcelona’s front three.
But the Catalan club have made Coutinho their No1 target, having already had two bids rejected, the last being a £90m offer.
Alexis Sanchez left Barcelona to join Arsenal in 2014
Paul Merson doesn't believe Philippe Coutinho is the best player Barcelona can buy
Sanchez scores many more goals than Coutinho does and you’re still getting £30m change
Liverpool have made it clear they are not willing to sell Coutinho under any circumstance and Jurgen Klopp insists the club’s stance hasn’t changed.
However, Barcelona general manager Pep Segura claimed a deal for both Dembele and Coutinho were close.
The Brazil international has established himself as Liverpool’s star player since joining from Inter Milan in 2013.
But former Arsenal star Merson believes Sanchez, who left the Nou Camp in 2014, would be a much better fit at Barcelona.
Merson told Sky Sports: “Do you ring up Arsenal with an offer of £70million for Sanchez?
“I know they’re saying £50m won’t buy him and we’ll let his contract go out but £70m is a lot of money and i think that might twist it.
“Sanchez scores many more goals than Coutinho does and you’re still getting £30m change.
“I’m looking at Sanchez, and I know he’s been to Barcelona but surely you go and get him?
“He can play there and come in from out wide. He’s still top drawer and a world class footballer."
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