Barcelona man hands in transfer request

Chelsea have been given a potential boost in their pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho as the Brazil international has reportedly handed in a transfer request to force a move away this summer.

Barcelona star, Philippe Coutinho

Coutinho’s future with the Catalan giants has been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks, with the likes of Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United all said to be interest in the midfielder.

And according to Calcio Mercato via Spanish outlet Cadena Ser, the Chelsea target has stated his desire to leave Barca by handing in a transfer request following a difficult season and a half with the La Liga champions. 

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Any potential pursuit of Coutinho from the Blues would clearly depend on whether their two window transfer ban is frozen this summer, however, giving the likes of Juve, PSG and United the advantage.

The Brazil international is currently away on international duty playing in the Copa America.

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