Chelsea have now entered the race to sign Lionel Messi this summer after PSG announced the Argentina international’s exit.
That is according to Argentine journalist Pablo Gravellone.
However – as also mentioned by the South American – Chelsea are not the only side keen to sign Lionel Messi.
What’s the story?
Well – even at the age of 35 – Messi is still up there with the best in Europe statistically.
The South American scored 21 goals and provided 20 assists in just 41 appearances for PSG during the 2022/23 campaign, while also scoring seven goals in seven games to fire Argentina to World Cup glory in December.
Now – according to Gravellone – Chelsea are keen to sign Messi on a free transfer, although the Blues face competition from Newcastle.
The journalist wrote on Twitter: “From England it is assured that from today Chelsea and Newcastle enter the race for Messi.”
Newcastle aren’t the only rival for Messi’s signature.
As revealed by Sky Sports, the likes of Barcelona, Inter Miami and Al Hilal are also keen on signing the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner this summer.
Chelsea should ignore Messi
While the chance to sign a player of Messi’s quality on a free transfer doesn’t come around often, Chelsea must resist the temptation of bringing him to Stamford Bridge.
The Argentine will likely request huge wages, which Chelsea can’t afford to be paying while Financial Fair Play regulations loom over us.
For example, Messi earned £670,000-a-week at PSG, so even though his arrival would technically be a free transfer, the Blues will still end up forking out millions for a player we don’t necessarily need.
Mauricio Pochettino is more in need of a dominant, out-and-out No.9 to lead the attack such as Victor Osimhen, rather than someone like Messi, who floats between the lines like an attacking midfielder.
Nevertheless – as we learned after the Cristiano Ronaldo saga in 2022 – Todd Boehly is enticed by big names, so anything could happen this summer.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
