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What's the rumour?
According to the English media outlet, The Independent, Chelsea are monitoring Philippe Coutinho's situation at the Camp Nou as they prepare for life without their talisman, Eden Hazard.
The Belgian forward is desperately willing to join the 13-time European champions, Real Madrid.
On the other hand, Philippe Coutinho is struggling to adapt at the Camp Nou. The Brazilian has been out of favour under Ernesto Valverde and has failed to compete with the French prodigy, Ousmane Dembele, to become a regular starter in Valverde's lineup.
With yet another poor performance in yesterday's El Clasico, the Brazilian has been facing a barrage of criticism.
In case you didn't know..
Coutinho joined the La Blaugrana for a reported fee of 135 million, last summer. However, Ousmane Dembele's exceptional performances have seen the former Liverpool men slip down the pecking order at the Camp Nou.
The 26-year-old has scored eight goals in the 32 appearances made for the Catalans, this season.
While his counterpart, Ousmane Dembele, has scored 13 goals and set up another 5 in just 27 appearances made this term.
No one, including Coutinho himself, wouldn't have thought that he'd be struggling for a place in the starting lineup after spending just one year at the Camp Nou.
As Coutinho's struggle with the Catalans continues, Manchester United and Chelsea have emerged as potential suitors to bring the Brazilian back to the Premier League.
The heart of the matter
While Liverpool are not interested in bringing Coutinho back to the Anfield, Manchester United and Chelsea are being linked with the former Premier League star to make a return to England.
Eden Hazard's departure would leave an attacking loophole in Maurizio Sarri's squad. Hence, Philippe Coutinho would be an ideal replacement for the Belgian who's desperate for a move to the Spanish capital. There's no better replacement for the Belgian than a proven Premier League star.
The Brazilian himself is mysterious about his Camp Nou future as he said, "Nobody knows what will happen in the future".
Rumour rating: 6/10
It is highly unlikely that the Catalans would allow Coutinho to leave so early after spending just one year at the Camp Nou. However, if a huge offer is made from either of Chelsea or Manchester United, the Blaugrana might consider selling Coutinho.
What's next?
The coming transfer window would bring a new transfer saga. With both Barcelona and Real Madrid being linked with Neymar Jr, the future of Eden Hazard and Philippe Coutinho depends on where will the Paris Saint Germain forward go.
It remains to see what happens in the summer. Whether the Los Blancos choose Hazard or Neymar or whether the latter chooses his former club or their eternal rivals, Real Madrid.
For more Chelsea transfer news and rumours, visit our Chelsea Transfer News page!
