Chelsea gearing up to be contenders to Man City for mega Messi swoop

Chelsea will be “in the equation” to sign Lionel Messi should the Barcelona forward eventually leave the Spanish club next year, according to one journalist.

Messi came close to ending his long-standing association with Barca this summer after announcing his intention to leave.

Indeed, Manchester City were the subject of speculation over a move, but a deal failed to materialise. In fact, Messi stood down after learning of the legal battle that awaited him if he did attempt to exit.

However, the situation, next summer will be different. Messi is into the final year of his contract, meaning clubs have a much better chance at signing him.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Guillem Balague revealed that Chelsea will be “in the equation” should the Argentine follow through with his exit wishes this time around.

The reporter also revealed that Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus tried to sign him in the recent transfer window.

As for whether City would try again for Messi at the end of this season, Balague said: “Yes they would. Obviously there’s no transfer fee attached to it now.

“They will be willing to pay the €25million, or £25million-plus net that they’ll have to pay for him [in wages], much more than that, this is just a minimum requirement I think.”

However, City boss and Barcelona fan Pep Guardiola has insisted on numerous occasions that the forward should finish his career at Camp Nou.

This season, Messi has scored three goals in eight LaLiga outings. Barcelona have had a poor season so far and sit 13th in LaLiga, 12 points behind leaders Real Sociedad.

Chelsea urged to keep Havertz out

Meanwhile, Paul Merson believes that Kai Havertz should not play from the start for Chelsea against Tottenham on Sunday.

Midfielder Havertz has missed the bulk of the Blues’ last four games. Indeed, he only made his return from coronavirus in Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Rennes.

But Merson feels that the manner of Chelsea’s wins in the German’s absence show that Havertz should remain, for now, on the sidelines.

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