The Blues could be set for a boost in their pursuit of Philippe Coutinho as it has been revealed that the midfielder does not want to sign for Tottenham this summer.
According to Sport, as transcribed by Sport Witness, Coutinho will reject a transfer to Spurs this summer after they backed out of a deal to sign him in 2019.
The report claims that Tottenham agreed a loan deal with Barcelona before Daniel Levy pulled the plug, leaving Coutinho “outraged” with the club.
Chelsea have been linked with a swoop for Coutinho and this news could be music to their ears. If Spurs are not an option for Coutinho, it could potentially be easier for Chelsea to pursue a deal for the Brazil international and bring him to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Coutinho is currently on loan to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and has amassed eight goals and six assists in just 15 league starts for the club. He has also averaged an impressive WhoScored rating of 7.27, suggesting that he could be a good addition to Chelsea’s side.
Chelsea’s midfield lacks creativity and Coutinho could be the man to provide it for them next season. Of Chelsea’s central midfielders, Mason Mount has the most assists, with four in 25 starts. Ross Barkley has three assists, whilst Jorginho has just two.
Coutinho could offer something different in the central areas and add some more goals and assists to Lampard’s side.