'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
What's the story?
According to the media outlet, Independent, Maurizio Sarri has his eyes set upon FC Barcelona's playmaker, Philippe Coutinho, for a potential summer move.
Following the departure of Cesc Fabregas and the possibility of Eden Hazard's move to Real Madrid, Chelsea are desperate to replenish their squad with world class reinforcements.
In case you didn't know..
Philippe Coutinho arrived at FC Barcelona with huge expectations. After all, he became the most expensive signing for Barcelona in their rich history when he arrived at Camp Nou from Liverpool in January last year.
Despite making an immediate impact with the club, Coutinho has endured tough times lately. While Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are thriving and marching on in the Premier League, Coutinho has failed to make his mark or get his name on the team sheet more often than not in the current 2018-19 season.
The Brazilian midfielder has 8 goals and 5 assists to his name in all competitions this season, but he is yet to fully integrate into the Barcelona side this term.
The heart of the matter
While Chelsea has already secured the signing of American winger, Christian Pulisic, from Borussia Dortmund, they are also keeping tabs on the situation of the reportedly unsettled Philippe Coutinho.
Meanwhile, Eden Hazard continues to flaunt his admiration for Real Madrid. With the Belgian superstar's move to the Spanish giants likely in the summer, Chelsea are keen to bring in reinforcements to bolster the squad.
Chelsea are among clubs who can afford Coutinho, and would be interested in bringing on a proven Premier League star. The official word from Barcelona remains that Coutinho will not be sold, with the club president saying this week that they are not planning to cash in on the underperforming midfielder.
Rumour rating: 4/10
With the arrival of Frenkie De Jong in the summer, the competition will only increase for Philippe Coutinho, and he might choose to look for other options.
What's next?
Ernesto Valverde's men are fighting for the LaLiga title, sitting 6 points clear on top. With the latter stages and crucial matches of the season approaching, a player of Coutinho's calibre will be extremely important for them.
On the other hand, the Blues are fighting for a top-four spot in the Premier League and will focus on the Europa League and Carabao Cup, as they are keen to lift a major silverware this season.
