Chelsea Closing On Barcelona attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho

• Bayern have the option to sign former Liverpool playmaker Coutinho permanently.

• Chelsea are among the clubs who have been given the opportunity of signing the Ex-Liverpool ace Coutinho from Barcelona.

Coutinho who left Anfield for LaLiga giants Barcelona back in 2018, has struggled to impress the Los Cules fans. [Getty]

Barcelona midfield ace Philippe Coutinho is edging closer to a move to Chelsea, according to Spanish tabloid Sport. The Brazil attacking midfielder is currently on loan at Bayern Munich until the end of the season. Though, reports say the Bundesliga champions are not willing to exercise the opportunity to make the ex-Liverpool star’s loan from Barca permanent as they reckon he doesn’t fit into what they are building for the future.

More: Liverpool told what to do to stay ahead of Premier League rivals. It’s already obvious Coutinho’s fate at the Camp Nou is in doubt, with the LaLiga champions looking to secure the services of Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez.

As things stand Coutinho, The Magician, as Liverpool fans used to call him is hoping he can return to the Premier League and, according to widespread reports Chelsea are willing to negotiate Barca’s asking price - £79m - for the 27-year-old, who left Anfield for the Nou Camp back in January 2018. Pedro, Willian, and Olivier Giroud are out of contract this summer, and the west London club will be looking to strengthen their squad in the next transfer window after failing to do so in January.

Chelsea have been warned against signing Coutinho.

Liverpool told to re-sign "creative genius" Philippe Coutinho.

Ex-Gunner believes Coutinho regrets leaving Premier League leaders Liverpool.

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