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What's the story?
According to the English outlet, Mirror, Chelsea have joined the battle with Manchester United to sign the former Liverpool ace, Philippe Coutinho.
According to the report, the Blues have enquired if they have any future plans to offload the attacking midfielder and the Catalans, in response, have quoted a fee of €100 million. The fees would be manageable as their star talisman, Eden Hazard is expected to be on his way out from Stamford Bridge for a huge transfer fee next summer.
In case you didn't know..
Since making a €142 million move from Premier League for the Catalans, the Brazilian has impressed with his performances and has won the LaLiga and Copa Del Rey titles, with the Spanish giants. However, this season, the 26-year-old is struggling to make a regular place in Ernesto Valverde's lineup.
The Brazilian was being linked with a Premier League return, as Manchester United were being considered the potential suitors to secure the services of Coutinho. However, with Eden Hazard's Chelsea future uncertain, the Blues might be willing to make a move for a global star of Coutinho's stature to replace the Belgian.
The heart of the matter
Following poor debut season with the Catalans, Ousmane Dembele has finally risen from his ruins and has been a pivotal member of Barca's lineup, this term.
The exceptional performances delivered by the Frenchman has pushed Coutinho down the pecking order. Dembele has been an integral part of Valverde's lineup. The 21-year-old has scored 12 goals and set up another 5, in the 26 appearances made so far.
According to the reputed Spanish outlet, Marca, the French prodigy holds the key to Coutinho's future with the La Liga giants.
Rumour rating: 6/10
With the growing speculations over Neymar Jr's return to the Camp Nou, the Blaugrana might be willing to offload Coutinho.
On the other hand, Chelsea would be willing to bring Coutinho in, to replace Eden Hazard, who has rejected their contract extension and might be playing at the Bernabeu next season.
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What's next?
As of now, Philippe Coutinho remains a Barca player. It remains to see what happens in the summer transfer window.
Although, the potential transfers of Neymar and Eden Hazard could play a vital role in the future of Coutinho.
