Barcelona to make record signings Coutinho and Dembele available in swap deals this summer

BARCELONA are set to make record signings Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele available in swap deals this summer, according to reports.

The report that Barca will look to trade players rather than buy with cash when the transfer window opens due to the financial hit imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.

And they hope to entice rivals into doing deals by putting their two most expensive stars on offer.

Former Liverpool star Coutinho joined the Nou Camp side for £142million two years ago.

Ex-Borussia Dortmund playmaker Dembele made the switch for £124.5m.

That's £267m worth of talent up for grabs.

Coutinho was strongly linked with a move to Chelsea, but it has been claimed that Frank Lampard has now pulled the plug.

Other reports said the Blues have turned their attention to Bayer Leverkusen forward Kai Havertz.

Coutinho's situation is particularly tricky given the Bayern Munich loanee had an ankle operation last Friday.

The 27-year-old will begin his recovery programme in two weeks, but faces up to six weeks until he is back to full training.

Arsenal were also set to be offered the chance to sign the Brazilian but his recent op could put an end to their interest.

Mikel Arteta's side were also linked with 22-year-old Frenchman Dembele.

But both the Gunners and Manchester United will only make a move once they have fully investigated the player's supposed injury curse.

The Telegraph further add that Miralem Pjanic could go to the Nou Camp in a swap deal with Arthur Melo.

Barca are also reportedly willing to swap right-back Nelson Semedo for Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo.

Quique Setien will need to have a clear out to raise funds for Inter striker Lautaro Martinez and Barca old-boy Neymar, with each costing around the £100million mark.