Chelsea News: Catch up on top headlines including updates on Lionel Messi, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo
Here’s Chelsea’s morning summary for Thursday, January 26th.
Messi rejects PSG extension
Chelsea have been given a huge boost in their nine-year quest to sign Lionel Messi. The 35-year-old striker faces an increasingly uncertain future at Paris Saint-Germain, with his contract at Les Parc des Princes set to expire at the end of the season.
Messi was expected to sign a one-year extension with the Parisians but, after winning the World Cup with Argentina in December, he is said to have changed his mind. According to the Spanish newspaper Marca, the Argentine is no longer motivated to win more titles in France or in the Champions League again after fulfilling his ‘biggest dream’.
Messi’s dramatic 180 has put several clubs on red alert; the one believed to be Inter Miami, the MLS team owned by David Beckham. Marca adds that PSG want to keep the striker in the French capital but, as it stands, he should be available on a free transfer – to Chelsea, among others too – in the summer.
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fernandez update
Benfica manager Roger Schmidt says he is confident Enzo Fernandez will remain at the club, despite Chelsea resuming their bid to sign the midfielder before the January transfer window closes. The Blues have explored other midfield options, but last week they restarted talks with the Portuguese giants over a deal for the Argentine.
Benfica’s head coach said: “Yes, of course [I’m confident that Enzo will stay]. I think that when you see Enzo playing for Benfica at the moment, I see a player who is at his level, who is very happy to play for Benfica. club and I think there is nothing left in the player’s mentality.
“I don’t expect to lose any of our players who are playing a lot and who are in the starting line-up. That’s why I see players who are very focused and that’s why I expect him to stay.”
Brighton proposal to replace Caicedo
Brighton’s transfer moves have giiiiiiiiven Chelsea late hopes of securing a deal for Moises Caicedo. According to The Independent, RB Leipzig have rejected an offer from the Seagulls for midfielder Amadou Haidara.
While Brighton look unlikely to make a breakthrough, their interest in the Mali international has caught the eye of Chelsea, who have some hope of securing a deal for Caicedo. But for now, football.london understands that West Londoners are more likely to plan ahead for the summer now rather than pushing for a deal this month.