Chelsea to prioritize signing a striker over Philippe Coutinho

According to Spanish journalist Guillem Balague (h/t Express), Chelsea will not pursue Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho and will prioritize the signing of a striker instead.

The Blues are one of the teams linked with a move for the Brazilian, who is currently on loan at Bayern Munich.

Bayern do have an option of signing him but it does not appear as if they will enforce it. With the player having had minor surgery on his ankle last Friday, he might as well have played his last game for the German giants.

The snub by the Germans represents another drawback in the Brazilian’s career since leaving the comforts of Anfield.

According to the report, Balague believes only Premier League clubs can afford to pay for Coutinho. Although Frank Lampard remains a fan of the Brazilian, he has other priorities.

“Chelsea are not going to go for Coutinho, they need a striker, that’s their priority.”

Tammy Abraham has been the lone Chelsea frontman to impress this season. Michy Batshati has disappointed while Oliver Giroud has only recently come to the party.

With their options somewhat limited up front, Lampard will prioritize signing a striker over Coutinho. Having already signed Hakim Ziyech, Chelsea is not desperate for an attacking midfielder.

While there is no doubt that Coutinho remains a potent player, the reality is that he is more of a luxury than a necessity for us right now.

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Chelsea continue to be linked with a move for Dries Mertens. The Belgian is a versatile attacker who can play anywhere along the frontline.

The 32-year-old’s contract at Napoli expires this summer and he will be available on a free. Pulling off such signing in the current financial climate will be a shrewd move by the Blues.