Chelsea and Newcastle United have been linked with a surprise move for Lionel Messi, who is leaving Paris Saint-Germain.
Lionel Messi has decided to leave Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain. And Argentine journalist Pablo Gravellone claims that Chelsea and Newcastle United are keen on signing the Barcelona legend in a Bosman move in the summer transfer window.
Messi has had an underwhelming spell with PSG, and he will look to move on this summer. A move to the Premier League would certainly be an interesting step in his career. But it remains to be seen whether Chelsea or Newcastle United can convince him to move to England.
Messi has 21 goals and 20 assists to his name across all competitions, and he could prove to be a quality short-term addition to both clubs. Chelsea need to add more quality in the final third, and Messi is one of the best players of all time. The 35-year-old Argentine could transform them in the final third with his goal-scoring ability and playmaking skills.
Messi recently won the World Cup with his country, and he could be keen on a new challenge. The Premier League is widely regarded as the best league in the world, and the Argentine could look to test himself in English football. Meanwhile, Newcastle United are thought to be keen on securing his services as well.
The Magpies have drawn 14 league matches this season, and they need to sign players who can help turn these draws into wins. Messi is certainly as good as they come, and he could prove to be a sensational coup for Newcastle.
The Tyneside outfit are one of the wealthiest clubs in the world, and they could offer him a lucrative contract. The player has been linked with a return to Barcelona as well. Messi remains a Barcelona legend, and the Catalan giants are thought to be keen on bringing him back to the club.
However, they will have to adhere to the La Liga financial regulations before they can sign the player. Signing a player of his quality on a free transfer could prove to be a major bargain for any club despite his age. So it will be interesting to see where he ends up eventually.
