Abramovich wants Chelsea FC to sign 26-year-old to replace Hazard – report

Roman Abramovich is eager to sign FC Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho to replace Chelsea FC star Eden Hazard this summer, according to a report in Spain.

Spanish media outlet Cadena SER, as quoted by Metro, is reporting that Chelsea FC want to sign the Brazilian midfielder ahead of Hazard’s anticipated summer switch to Real Madrid.

The same article states that the Blues are prepared for Hazard’s departure following persistent links with Real Madrid throughout the Premier League season.

According to the same story, Europa League finalists Chelsea FC are the only Premier League club to have shown an interest in bringing the Brazil international back to the Premier League.

The report goes on to suggest that FC Barcelona are willing to accept a £50m loss on Coutinho this summer, meaning the Reds will need to make a bid of around £90m for the Brazilian star.

However, as things stand, Chelsea FC are set to serve a transfer ban in the summer window, which could limit their ability to sign the former Liverpool FC star before the 2019-20 season.

Coutinho has scored 11 goals and made five assists in 52 games in all competitions in his first full season at FC Barcelona.

The Brazilian completed a £142m move to FC Barcelona from Liverpool FC in the 2018 January transfer window.

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