Barcelona prioritise £75m Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho over Arsenal contract rebel Mesut Ozil

Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho is ahead of Mesut Ozil as Barcelona’s number 1 target this summer.

According to the Daily Mail, Barcelona are focusing their attention on signing the Liverpool playmaker.

The Brazil international is being viewed as an ideal replacement for the ageing Andres Iniesta. Coutinho’s ability to play as a central midfielder in a 4-3-3 system or comfortably out wide make him an attractive proposition to Barca.

See More: Liverpool transfer news: Euro giants refuse to budge on £8.4m valuation

The Mail goes onto state that the likelihood of Barcelona signing Mesut Ozil is looking increasingly unlikely.

According to the Spanish outlet Sport, Liverpool have set a £75 million price tab on Coutinho.

Barcelona are expected to revamp their squad following an inconsistent season. Luis Enrique’s side were outclassed and eliminated from the UEFA Champions League by Juventus. Barce have also struggled for consistency in the Spanish league.

Ozil’s future at the north London-based club remains shrouded in mystery.

The 28-year-old playmaker will have just 12 months remaining on his contract this summer. Ozil has recently hinted that he is happy with life in London during an interview with SkySports.