MX23RW : Tuesday, November 19 22:21:38| >> :120:6412:6412:

How Chelsea could line up after Philippe Coutinho, Kepa Arrizabalaga swap

Sports Mole looks at how Chelsea could line up if Barcelona's Philippe Coutinho moves to Stamford Bridge as part of a swap for Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Chelsea could reportedly be given the chance to sign Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona this summer providing that Kepa Arrizabalaga moves in the opposite direction.

Kepa became the world's most expensive goalkeeper when he moved to Stamford Bridge from Athletic Bilbao in 2018, but the Spain international has struggled for consistency and continues to be linked with an exit.

Barca, meanwhile, could be forced to replace their number one Marc-Andre ter Stegen this summer as Bayern Munich are thought to be weighing up a world-record move.

According to reports in Spain, Barca could be prepared to offer Coutinho, who is currently on loan at Bayern Munich, to Chelsea as part of a swap deal for Kepa.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Frank Lampard's side could line up should the reported swap deal occur ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.


POSS CHE XI 2020-21 SEASON

Kepa is reportedly keen to stay and fight for his future at Chelsea, but it would not be a surprise to see the Spaniard leave during this summer's transfer window.

AC Milan's Gianluigi Donnarumma has been mentioned as a possible target for the Blues, and a new goalkeeper would certainly become a priority if Kepa was moved on.

Lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Coutinho could be the central attacker for Lampard's side. The 27-year-old is seemingly surplus to requirements at Barca, but he has contributed nine goals and eight assists in 32 appearances for Bayern this season, including eight Bundesliga strikes.

The Brazilian also managed 54 goals and 45 assists in 201 appearances for Liverpool and might feel that he has a point to prove, having struggled to make the grade at Camp Nou.

Hakim Ziyech has already agreed a deal with Chelsea and could line up on the right, with Lyon forward Moussa Dembele potentially arriving to lead the attack. Reece James, Antonio Rudiger, N'Golo Kante and Callum Hudson-Odoi should all keep their spots, but there are likely to be more signings elsewhere.

Indeed, Ben Chilwell, Francesco Acerbi and Miralem Pjanic have also been linked with the London giants, and Chelsea could well launch a challenge for next season's Premier League title if they get their summer business right.

Kepa's struggles this season have led to Willy Caballero being used between the sticks in recent weeks, and the Blues would surely be open to allowing the Spaniard to leave this summer if they can secure Coutinho, who is also believed to be interesting Manchester United.

ID:394613: cacheID:394613:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5832:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Kepa Arrizabalaga in action for Chelsea on March 3, 2020
Read Next:
Barcelona considering Coutinho, Kepa swap?
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Texans
@
Cowboys
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City117222213923
3Chelsea115422113819
4Arsenal115421812619
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest115421510519
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton115421915419
7Fulham115331613318
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
9Aston Villa115331717018
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1151523131016
11Brentford115152222016
12Bournemouth114341515015
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Leicester CityLeicester112451421-710
16Everton112451017-710
17Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
18Crystal Palace11146815-77
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves111371627-116
20Southampton11119721-144


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!