Chelsea “seriously tried” to sign Lionel Messi from Barcelona in 2014 but the Argentine refused to move to Stamford Bridge, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Romano claims Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was keen to sign Messi when Jose Mourinho was in his second spell as manager of the Blues.
Messi, however, would refuse to leave Barcelona and Chelsea instead agreed a deal with the Catalan club to sign former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas.
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The Spaniard would go on to win five major honours with the Blues including two Premier League titles.
Romano revealed the story on his YouTube channel while discussing the top five transfer deals that collapsed at Chelsea during Abramovich’s ownership of the club.
“It was not that close but Chelsea were really trying to sign Lionel Messi in 2014, with Jose Mourinho as the manager,” said Romano.
“They were really pushing to try and persuade Messi to join them.
“They [Chelsea] were contacting people close to Leo Messi, discussing with lawyers close to Messi to try to convince him for a new opportunity in the Premier League.
“But then everything collapsed because Barcelona was something special for Lionel Messi.
“He decided together with his family to stay in Catalonia and continue his experience with Barca.
“Roman Abramovich wanted Leo Messi. He was seriously trying to sign Messi as the new star for Chelsea but the deal collapsed.”
Messi would remain with Barcelona until last summer, when he joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.
He has gone on to make 24 appearances for the French club this season, scoring seven times.
Topics: Barcelona, Football, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Lionel Messi, Transfers, La Liga, Premier League
Rory O'Callaghan