Chelsea transfer news: Barcelona ‘expect bid for their No.7’
Barcelona are bracing themselves for a bid from Chelsea for Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho, according to reports.
Coutinho joined the Catalan giants in a £105m deal from Liverpool in January 2018 but has so far struggled to find his best form.
Could Chelsea sign Coutinho? Five things to know…
- Coutinho joined Barça from Liverpool for £105m in January 2018.
- The Brazilian has just 21 goals and 11 assists to his name for Barça so far.
- Chelsea look set to lose Eden Hazard to Real Madrid this summer.
- Reports suggest Sarri will look to replace the Belgian with Coutinho.
- The 26-year-old has 152 games worth of Premier League experience under his belt with Liverpool.
Goal.com believe that although the player himself wants to remain at the club, Blaugrana chiefs are already considering the posibility of cutting their loses this summer, with Barça set for a massive overhaul of their squad.
Despite qualifying for next season’s Champions League, Chelsea are set to lose star player Eden Hazard this summer, with the Belgian hell-bent on a ‘dream move’ to Real Madrid.
Speaking after Chelsea’s 0-0 draw at Leicester on Sunday, Hazard told reporters: “Yes I have made my decision (on his future) but it is not just about me.
“Would I have liked it to be cleared up earlier in the season? Yes, I wanted that but that’s not happened. I’m still waiting like you are waiting and the fans are waiting.”
Chelsea’s ongoing battle to overturn Fifa’s two-window transfer ban is set to go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with their decision expected to be announced before the closure of the upcoming window.
This could handle Chelsea a small frame of time in which they can operate in the market and with Coutinho’s relationship with Barça supporters souring after recently placing his fingers in his ears while celebrating a goal against Man Utd, he could be the quick fix Maurizio Sarri needs.
READ MORE: Can Coutinho do Sarri-ball? How Chelsea’s rumoured Hazard replacement plans could pan out
Hazard, whose final game for Chelsea could be the all-English Europa League final against Arsenal, has contributed 16 goals and 15 assists this season, while Coutinho has just 11 goals and five assists for Barça.
