Chelsea FC want 26-year-old to replace Eden Hazard – report
Chelsea FC are interested in a deal to sign Philippe Coutinho as Eden Hazard's replacement, according to a report
Chelsea FC are lining up a swoop to sign FC Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho as Eden Hazard’s replacement in the summer, according to a report.
French media outlet Telefoot, as quoted by Calciomercato, is reporting that the Blues are interested in a deal to sign the Brazil international as Chelsea FC prepare for life without Hazard.
The same article states that the west London side believe Coutinho is the perfect replacement for Hazard given his previous experience of the Premier League.
According to the same story, Chelsea FC will turn to Lille star Nicolas Pepe as their back up should the Premier League club struggle to get a deal for Coutinho over the line.
Chelsea FC could face intense competition for the Ligue 1 winger given Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Manchester City are all interested in Pepe, the report adds.
Hazard has been regularly linked with a move to Real Madrid over the course of the Premier League season as his contract continues to run down at Stamford Bridge.
The Belgian star will be a free agent at the end of the 2019-20 season as things stand unless Chelsea FC can convince their number 10 to sign a new deal.
Hazard had scored 16 goals and has made 13 assists in the Premier League this term after the 2-2 draw with Burnley on Monday night.
