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The gazillion reports linking Philippe Coutinho to Chelsea over the recent weeks and months might make it seem like the Blues are actually considering turning this preposterous proposition into reality, but in actual reality, are unlikely to be anything more than Coutinho’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, trying to drum up some interest for his client.
Neither Barcelona, nor Coutinho’s current loan team, Bayern Munich are keen on retaining his services, but while the latter can just send him back at the end of the season, the former still have a massive investment to recoup after spending €160m. That was just two years ago; now they’ll be lucky to get half that.
But if the Athletic (and common sense) are to be believed, Chelsea won’t be the team giving Barcelona that out. While the Blues have had interest in the 27-year-old in the distant past, that is no longer the case, especially after securing the signature of Hakim Ziyech. And while we are set to lose Willian and Pedro, Coutinho isn’t really a winger. And in any case, the player Chelsea are actually “keen on” is apparently Kai Havertz, the much younger, much more versatile, and probably much better player in the long-term. That’s a lot of ands and buts and buts and ands, but we end in a much better place.
Hurray!
Bayern Munich do not intend to make his season-long loan permanent, while Barcelona are open to offers for the 27-year-old.
— The Athletic UK (@TheAthleticUK) April 27, 2020
With his career at a crossroads, will #CFC come to Coutinho's rescue?
@SJohnsonSport, @dermotmcorrigan & @honigstein
Kai Havertz isn’t a new name in the Chelsea rumor mill either, as we were linked with the 20-year-old Bayer Leverkusen star at the start of the season. Havertz, a versatile midfielder usually deployed centrally or wide right, was coming off of a 20-goal season. His numbers are slightly down this year, but interest remains strong especially as he will have just two years left on his contract after the season.
Bayern are still acting passively when it comes to Kai Havertz, although there's slight contact to the player's management. Interested clubs from abroad are more proactive in their communication with the player. [Kicker] pic.twitter.com/COAqjCpWv4
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) April 22, 2020
He’s regarded as one of the most talented youngsters of his generation and thus would not be an easy player to acquire by any means — Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are just two of our competition — but if Chelsea do manage to bring him to London, he might well be our best signing since a certain N’Golo Kanté in 2016.