According to a recent report by Calciomercato, Chelsea have joined the chase to secure the services of Barcelona attacker Phillipe Coutinho during the summer transfer window. The same source has revealed that the Pensioners could face stiff competition from Manchester United in pursuit of the La Liga playmaker in this off-season.
Coutinho’s Frustrations At The Nou Camp This Season
Coutinho had to endure a frustrating season at the Nou Camp as he is still not a guaranteed starter in Ernesto Valverde’s first-team. The Brazilian has still managed to be quite productive despite getting limited game time on the pitch.
The former Liverpool talent has put in some match-winning displays for the Catalans during this campaign which includes his stunning strike against Manchester United in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals earlier this month.
The Brazilian’s Numbers Tell A Different Story
The 26-year-old has made 48 appearances for Barca this term, scoring 11 goals while grabbing five assists across all competitions. He has also earned 47 international caps for Brazil and has found the back of the net 13 times for his nation thus far.
What Will Coutinho Bring To Stamford Bridge?
Coutinho boasts decent pace and is one of the best dribblers in Europe with the ball at his feet. He is known for making penetrating runs towards the opposing defence to either set up chances for his teammates or create a goal-scoring opportunity for himself. On his day, he can be a match-winner which makes him such a highly regarded playmaker in world football.
The addition of a player of Coutinho’s ilk will undoubtedly bolster Maurizio Sarri’s attacking options at Stamford Bridge. He could be an ideal replacement for Eden Hazard if the Belgian winger decides to leave the West London club at the end of this campaign. Coutinho will not only improve the quality of Sarri’s starting XI but will also increase competition for places within the Pensioners squad.
Should Chelsea Orchestrate A Move For Him?
Hence, the Blues of London should do everything in their power to fend off competition from the Red Devils and bring Coutinho to the Bridge ahead of the new season.
