Chelsea are reportedly looking to provide a summer escape route from Barcelona to playmaking superstar Philippe Coutinho.
As per claims by Spanish outlet Cadena SER, Philppe Coutinho is the subject of interest from Chelsea ahead of the summer transfer window. The Blues are eyeing the Barcelona superstar as a possible replacement for Eden Hazard, who could be on his way to Real Madrid in the coming weeks.
Philippe Coutinho has seen his dream turn into a nightmare in the space of one year, as after a strong start to life as a Barcelona player, he has tapered off considerably. While returns of 11 goals and 5 assists would be decent for most midfielders, the fact that Barcelona shattered their club transfer record to land the Brazilian means his tally is far from ideal.
Indeed, when Ernesto Valverde has had a fully fit squad at his disposal, he has inclined towards Ousmane Dembele completing the attacking unit, instead of Coutinho. The player’s poor performances though, have not seen his stock fall much in the transfer market, with Chelsea keen on signing him.
The Blues are currently in a precarious situation for a couple of key reasons. Eden Hazard, who has been the single biggest reason for Chelsea finishing in the top four this season, is being heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer.
To add to their woes, the Europa League finalists might not be able to sign any replacement, with their two-window transfer ban being upheld by FIFA this week. Chelsea though, are hoping that with their impending appeal to the CAS, they might get a reprieve this summer, which would then help them stock up their squad for the immediate future.
A move for Coutinho could thus, be a possibility, especially with Barcelona also open to the idea of cutting their losses on the 26-year-old by offloading him this summer. As for Chelsea, Coutinho is a known quantity as before his Barcelona move, he had been one of the best players on show in the Premier League.
So, ideally, the Brazilian international is unlikely to experience many teething problems, if any. For now though, a move for Coutinho is hanging in the balance, depending heavily on whether Chelsea are able to make any signings this summer. What does appear to be certain is that the player’s future at Barcelona is hanging by a thread.
