Pjanic? Coutinho? Chelsea TRANSFER RUMORS from March 18 

Chelsea are reportedly leading the race for Barcelona loanee Philippe Coutinho. Former Liverpool star joined Bayern Munich on loan terms last summer, but failed to make an impact for the Bundesliga side and will reportedly return to Barcelona.  Catalan side, however, doesn’t count on the Brazilian and would consider other offers. 

Chelsea lead the race to sign Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona and have already made contact for the player.

- SPORT pic.twitter.com/0Eq7H6o839 — Simon Phillips (@SiPhillipsSport) March 18, 2020

According to As (via Daily Mail), West London side are ready to offer a loan for Coutinho with an option to buy him in summer of 2021.  Earlier, Coutinho has announced he won’t join any Liverpool rival from the Premier League, but his current situation could make him join Chelsea.  Meanwhile, reports from Italy suggest Chelsea are interested in signing Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic.  The Bosnian joined the club from AS Roma, has made 167 appearances so far with 22 goals and 36 assists to his name.

CalcioMercato | #Chelsea will challenge Paris Saint-Germain for the signature of Juventus star Miralem Pjanic. #CFC pic.twitter.com/xkGs0tO8Me

— The Blues (@TheBlues___) March 18, 2020

  Juventus are ready to sell Pjanic after a huge dip in form. Chelsea are interested in the player, however, they will face competition from Paris Saint-Germain. According to Italian publication Calciomercato,  Juventus know they can get at least €60million (£55m) for Pjanic. Besides Pjanic, Blues are interested in signing another Serie A star, Lazio defender Francesco Acerbi. 

Chelsea 'interested in Lazio defender Francesco Acerbi'... but face competition from Inter Milan https://t.co/dUHQSebvbe via @NewsNowUK

— Lynn Hamer (@evilbluebird) March 18, 2020

Biancocelesti are doing an incredible job in the Serie A this season. Simone Inzaghi’s side has 62 points after 26 matches and challenges Juventus for the title.  Acerbi is the leading defender for Lazio. Chelsea consider the Italian international as a key transfer to improve the defensive line for the next season.  Blues will face competition from Inter Milan and former coach Antonio Conte, who’s a big fan of the 32-year-old player.  Meanwhile, Kepa Arrizabalaga has expressed his desire to stay at the club and fight for his place in the starting lineup, despite being dropped by Frank Lampard.  World’s most expensive goalkeeper is having a bad season and has missed several matches, as Frank Lampard is looking for the possible options in the market. Ajax’s Andre Onana and Sheffield United’s Dean Henderson are the top targets for the West London side. 25-year-old Kepa, however, has been told he has a future at the club, even if the club signs another goalkeeper.  Follow the latest Chelsea transfer news on Vbetnews

Image credits - Getty Images/Juventus-fr.com

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