Chelsea have been linked with Phillippe Coutinho on several occasions since his move to Barcelona. The Brazilian struggled to find his feet at the Nou Camp, and this season moved on loan to Bayern Munich.
The German club have an option to buy, but the Blues may yet have a chance of signing Coutinho in the summer. Despite seven goals and seven assists in 22 appearances, it is not yet clear whether Bayern are intending to keep hold of the midfielder.
Spanish news outlet El Desmarque has now suggested that Chelsea could be ready to pounce if Bayern do not exercise their option to buy. It seems that Barcelona are keen to get rid of Coutinho in the summer when his loan deal expires.
The Blues require a creative outlet to help them turn possession into chances. They have struggled in recent weeks to break down teams who sit back and hit them on the counter. Coutinho is a player who can change a game in an instant and would make a real difference at Stamford Bridge.
The 27-year-old is also experienced in the Premier League. He made 152 appearances for Liverpool in five years with the club from 2013 to 2018.
Chelsea will be able to further run the rule over Coutinho in their Champions League last-16 tie with The Bavarians. The two sides will meet in February in what is a repeat of the infamous 2012 final.
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