According to reports from Spain, Chelsea have made step in bid to sign Philippe Coutinho as they held secret talks with 28-year-old playmaker over a summer transfer from Barcelona.
The Brazilian star has been linked with a return to the Premier League this summer after failing to produce his potential since left Liverpool for Barcelona in January 2018.
Coutinho, who spent this season on loaned in Bayern Munich hoped to secure a permanent switch to Bundesliga giants but they have decided not to exercise their option to buy.
Since then Manchester United, Arsenal including Tottenham have been monitor the Brazilian playmaker, but Chelsea are move edge over others Premier league’s club as they have already spoken with the 27-year-old’s representatives, according to Spanish publication Sport.
With Barcelona set to sell for around £80million, Chelsea will hope their good working relationship with Coutinho’s agent Kia Joorabchian can smooth the way for a deal to be struck. Coutinho, meanwhile, still managed to record a decent season in Germany, providing nine goals and eight assists in 32 appearances across all competitions, with only 22 of those coming as starts.
Barcelona have dropped their asking price of Coutinho this summer to €60m (£53m), in order to complete a sale.
Chelsea lead the race and are in negotiations with his agent Kia Joorabchian. pic.twitter.com/4GVhnQMaki
— LDN (@LDNFootbalI) April 3, 2020