Chelsea Transfer News: Big news concerning Barcelona star, stalled move for young winger and other stories – January 20th, 2019
After yesterday's 2-0 loss to Arsenal in the London Derby, there is a negative feel around Stamford Bridge now.
Maurizio Sarri had laid into his players in an extraordinary press conference after the match. This has only served to highlight the need for fresh blood/ideas to be added to the squad before the winter window closes.
The Gonzalo Higuain and Leonardo Paredes stories continue to rumble on, ditto for the Calumn Hudson-Oodoi on/off transfer to Bayern Munich.
With that in mind, here is a look at the latest transfer rumours swirling around the Blues:
#1 Blues make shock approach for Barcelona star
Chelsea owner, Roman Abrahmovic looks set to loosen the purse strings once again and provide Sarri with the need ammunition. To this end, certain players are already being scouted with a view to bringing them in for next season.
According to the Daily Express, the Blues have asked FC Barcelona to keep them in the loop concerning Phillipe Coutinho. The Brazilian midfielder joined the Catalan giants in a £142m deal from Liverpool last January.
However, he has struggled to nail down a starting berth this season with coach Ernesto Valverde struggling to find a permanent role for the 27-year-old. It is being said that Barca may look to sell the Selecao international for upwards of £100m to fund a move to bring back Neymar from PSG.
This price-tag has not scared off the Chelsea management. Manchester United also said to be interested in Coutinho. This may be one of the most intriguing transfer sub-plots of the summer.
#2 Club may fail in a move for exciting winger
Strong doubts remain over the quality of Chelsea's wingmen. William and Pedro are the team's main wingers and are already in their 30s. With both players being erratic, it has made it imperative for the team to seek out younger wing talent.
Mexican international, Hirving Lozano has been one of the most exciting wingers in Europe since last season. His impressive performances for club; PSV and country have caught the attention of a lot of people.
The Blues have long since been linked with an interest in the 24-year-old. However, according to the Daily Express, the team could miss out on the player. According to the report, Lozano' agent, the notorious Mino Raiola has said that Serie A is the destination of choice for the player.
With the Milan clubs; AC and Inter and Napoli linked, Chelsea, may have to turn it's attention elsewhere to fix it's wing issues.
#3 Chelsea defender to move to another London club
Coach, Sarri, has made no secret about the fact that Antonio Rudiger and David Luiz are his preferred central defensive combination. The pair has started every Premier League match they have been available for so far.
This has made life on the bench unbearable for the likes of Gary Cahill and Andreas Christensen. Already, stories are out there about potential moves for these players.
According to Skysports, Fulham have made a tentative approach to take the former England international and club captain to Craven Cottage. Despite spending upwards of 100 in the close season, Fulham has been abysmal and have conceded the highest number of goals in the league.
Manager, Claudio Ranieri has spoken glowingly about Cahill and what his know-how/experience could add to his team's backline. It is still unclear if this would be a permanent deal or a loan move. Either way, it seems like a move that will happen soon.