Philippe Coutinho urged to join Arsenal or Tottenham, as former Liverpool star ponders Premier League transfer return
Barcelona legend Rivaldo believes Philippe Coutinho could get back to his best at either Arsenal, Tottenham or Leicester.
Coutinho is due to head back to Barcelona after a season-long loan at Bayern Munich, with the Bundesliga champions opting against making the deal permanent.
The former Liverpool star's long-term future is unlikely to lie in the Spanish capital, with Coutinho's agent, Kia Joorabchian, revealing on talkSPORT earlier this week his client would like to return to England.
“After the Champions League, it’s not been a secret that he wants to come back to the Premier League if he can; he loves playing in the Premier League and is adored in the Premier League," he said.
“It is one of his priorities… but he is also not against staying at Barcelona, so it is very much open."
Joorabchian added: “There is much genuine interest in Philippe because he is a great player and a big success. There is always interest.”
But Rivaldo doesn't believe there is a way back at Camp Nou.
“His best option could be returning to English football where he spent the best seasons of his career and in which his qualities seem to be best suited, as he proved at Liverpool when was one of the best players in the Premier League," he told Betfair.
“At Arsenal, Tottenham or Leicester, Coutinho could be a regular starter next season.
“It would be a good opportunity for the Brazilian to rediscover his best form and show that he continues to be an excellent player who belongs to the elite.”
Meanwhile, the Brazil icon has leapt to the defence of compatriot David Luiz after question marks were raised from many quarters as to why the Gunners chose to renew his contract after a disappointing 2019/20 campaign.
He added: "David Luiz did not enjoy a great first season with Arsenal, but the club trusted him by renewing his contract and I think the Brazilian defender still has what it takes to play at a big English club.
"He has lots of experience and knows exactly how to manage his energy during a match. He could also be pivotal to help the youngsters at the club.
"He has lots of knowledge about English football and will improve from last season and could work as an important player in such a young and inexperienced squad that clearly needs some veterans to help them improve."