Chelsea want Barcelona star to replace Eden Hazard

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is keen on pursuing the signature of Philippe Coutinho in order to overcome the potential departure of Eden Hazard from the club this summer.

Hazard has yet to extend his Blues contract beyond the summer of 2020 and reports indicate that he is likely to head through the exit door when the transfer window reopens.

As such, the west London giants are already said to be planning for the future and Cadena SER reports that Abramovich has identified Coutinho as the perfect replacement for the former Lille man.

Coutinho has experienced a difficult period with Barcelona since making the move from Liverpool 13 months ago and it is claimed that the Blues are prepared to offer a route back to the Premier League.

The Spanish champions bought the Brazilian playmaker for around £105m at the beginning of last year but they are willing to accept a reduced £90m fee to sanction his sale during the summer.

Still, a transfer agreement for the Blues would be entirely dependent on whether they can overcome a FIFA-imposed transfer ban through an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.