The European giant Barcelona are reportedly exploring the possibility to agree on a swap deal involving Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho and Chelsea anchorman N’Golo Kante ahead of the 2020-21 season.
Coutinho is due to return to the Catalan club this summer following a loan spell at German champions Bayern Munich, however, the Brazil international is widely expected to depart from the Spanish champions on a permanent basis ahead of the next season as he has struggled to return to his full potential after the transfer from Anfield.
Chelsea are one of several teams to be credited with an interest in the Brazilian star, who has found it tough to show his best form for Barca.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the La Liga defending champions will attempt to use the Blues interest in Coutinho to make a move for N’Golo Kante during this summer’s transfer window.
The France international – also rumoured with Juventus and Real Madrid – has only played 18 Premier League games for Frank Lampard’s side this campaign due to injury problems.
The report suggests that Barcelona are a huge fan of the 2018 World Cup-winning midfielder and are expected to be in the market for a new anchorman this summer due to the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Arturo Vidal and Ivan Rakitic.
Kante famously helped Leicester City to claim the 2015-16 Premier League trophy before making the switch to Chelsea and doing the same at Stamford Bridge.