Barcelona demand £87 million from Chelsea to complete Philippe Coutinho transfer

Philippe Coutinho had world at his feet when he chose to force a move to Barcelona in 2018. Barcelona coughed up a club-record £145 million for man Liverpool faithful had come to call ' Little Magician'. While Liverpool diverted a majority of those funds towards signing Alisson and Virgil van Dijk, Coutinho had an underwhelming start to life in Spain. Coutinho did feature when Lionel Messi was out injured but Brazilian playmaker quickly found himself out of a role in starting line-up and was shipped off to Bayern Munich on loan. 

However, Bayern have made it clear that y will t sign Coutinho on a permanent deal, with Barcelona w in talks with Chelsea over a move. Barcelona reportedly want Neymar back and defending LaLiga champions will look to generate funds by selling Philippe Coutinho in summer. Catalans have reportedly held talks with Chelsea and it appears Barcelona are willing to take a loss in  process.

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Phillipe Coutinho to Chelsea? Barcelona demanding huge fee from Chelsea

According to Mundo Depotivo, Chelsea will have to pay a sum of over £87 million to bring Philippe Coutinho back to Premier League. Barcelona are ready to take a loss of close to £60 million on  price y paid Liverpool for Brazilian in 2018. However, £87 million will likely be a huge amount for Chelsea amid financial ramifications of coronavirus pandemic.

Chelsea have also signed Hakim Ziyech from Ajax, who will join up with Blues in summer. An £87 million move for Coutinho could, refore, prompt hierarchy at Chelsea to think twice before signing a player who typically plays in same position as Mason Mount in a move that could hamper youngster's progress. Newcastle have also mooted a Coutinho transfer on back of ir big £300 million Saudi takeover.

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Coutinho transfer: Barcelona coach Quique Setien wants to keep Coutinho 

Speaking to RAC1 about Coutinho transfer, Quique Setien stated, "I think Coutinho is a great player, I really like him. He is still a Barcelona player. You have to pay clause or pay a sum to Barcelona. I think he can be here at beginning of next season. I have to talk to him to ask him." However, it is believed that Quique Setien has little say in transfer dealings at club. 

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