Chelsea ‘in equation’ to sign Lionel Messi should the Argentine superstar leave Barcelona

Barcelona's Argentinian striker Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring their first goal during the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 football match between Chelsea and Barcelona at Stamford Bridge stadium in London on February 20, 2018. [AFP PHOTO, Ben STANSALL]

Chelsea were the biggest spenders in the Premier League ahead of the 2020/2021 season, investing more than £200 million in Frank Lampard's squad.

And, so far, it appears money well spent as the Blues sit third in the Premier League and have eased into the knock-out stages of the Champions League.

It could get even better with a win over Tottenham Hotspur, too, as the Blues could move to the summit of the English top-flight table.

Chelsea’s supporters would obviously be delighted with that, but they will still be wondering if the Blues will be conducting more transfer business come the January transfer window.

With that in mind, here is the latest Chelsea transfer round-up

The Blues are "in the equation" to sign Lionel Messi should the Argentine superstar leave Barcelona next summer.

There was talk of the 33-year-old joining Manchester City last summer, but a deal with Barcelona couldn't be struck.

Things may be very different at the end of this campaign, however.

And Guillem Balague claims Chelsea could be in the mix.

“Chelsea are definitely in the equation if Messi becomes available,” Balague said on his YouTube channel.

Chelsea's English manager Frank Lampard gives a press conference at Chelsea's Cobham Training Centre in Stoke D’Abernon, south of London, on August 16, 2019 on the eve of their English Premier League football match against Leicester City. [Photo by Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS, AFP]

“Chelsea will insist they want to hear everything that is going on. If they have the money, they will want to be involved too. Remember, there is no transfer fee.”

Giroud is a target for Tottenham

Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud is being linked with a January move across London to Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs held discussions about signing the French striker – who joined the Blues from Arsenal two years ago – in January but could not clinch a deal.

According to Football Insider, Giroud’s specific skillset is admired by Spurs manager Jose Mourinho and his coaching staff.

The 34-year-old has a contract at Chelsea that runs until next summer, having signed a 12-month extension in May.

However, he has not started a single Premier League or Champions League match this season.

Lampard on Thaigo Silva contract talks

Thiago Silva’s Chelsea deal can be extended beyond next summer after Frank Lampard confirmed the club hold a one-year option on the centre-back’s contract.

The Brazilian has been impressive since arriving at Stamford Bridge on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.

Reports emerged on Friday from Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb that Silva had made “first contact” over activating a 12-month option in his deal.

Lampard said: “I have seen the reports and there is an option in Thiago’s contract that we can look at as the season goes on.

“With the way he is playing at the minute, we are very happy. That’s the end of it really, I am surprised it has come out in that way.”

 

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