Barcelona attacker prefers Chelsea transfer?

Barcelona attacker Philippe Coutinho is reportedly keen on making the switch to Chelsea when the transfer window reopens.

The Brazil international is presently on season-long loan with Bayern Munich where he has bagged nine goals and eight assists across all competitions.

He is, however, expected to return to the Camp Nou at the end of the season with the buy option (£105m) available to Bayern having expired earlier in the year.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the likes of Leicester City, Manchester United and Newcastle United have contacted Coutinho's agent over a summer move but the 27-year-old is said to favour a switch to Stamford Bridge.

The same report adds that the Blaugrana have reduced their asking price for Coutinho from £105m to £72m and they are aiming to sell him permanently in the next transfer window.

Frank Lampard's side have already signed Hakim Ziyech to strengthen their attack for next season but they want another creative player with both Willian and Pedro expected to leave the club when their contracts expire during the summer.

Coutinho would be an ideal player for the Blues with his vast Premier League experience but it is unclear whether the west London outfit can afford the Blaugrana's price tag amid the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.