Taking the situation as a whole and considering attractiveness of a club, their potential budget, and ability to work with the agents involved, Chelsea has long looked a suitable destination for Philippe Coutinho.
It’s perhaps a wonder the rumours aren’t stronger than they are. Chelsea and their good negotiating skills should be able to force Barcelona into a reasonable deal, perhaps even with a try-before-you-buy option.
The club are looking likely to qualify for the Champions League next season, they have room in their transfer budget and their wages haven’t escalated beyond a manageable level.
Coutinho would get to play for a top Premier League club again, and his agent, Kia Joorabchian, has a history of negotiations with the Blues.
Thursday’s edition of Mundo Deportivo reports Chelsea are ‘well placed’ to sign the Brazilian this summer. The club have ‘positioned themselves’ to make the signing, and Joorabchian is at work trying to mastermind a move to the Premier League.
Mundo believe Chelsea have the funds, yet whatever the Catalan newspaper says it’s highly unlikely Frank Lampard’s side would pay the €100m it’s stated Barcelona want.Coutinho is surely going to be drawn to Chelsea over options like Newcastle United, and probably Arsenal too, so for all the hyping of this rumour, it’s still one to keep an eye on.
