Lionel Messi is reportedly closing in on joining Paris Saint-Germain ahead of Chelsea, with the move likely to be completed in the next few days.
According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Lionel Messi is on the verge of joining Paris Saint-Germain in the coming days. The Argentine legend, who has shockingly departing Barcelona in the summer transfer window, is also reportedly a target for Chelsea.
It was a news that came as nothing short of a bombshell. Lionel Messi is no longer a Barcelona player after financial and structural restrictions stopped the Blaugrana from securing his future. So, even though both the Catalan outfit and Messi were intent on continuing their relationship, the departure has been forced upon them.
Hence, after over two decades at Barcelona, 17 of which came as a first-team talisman, it is time for Messi to embark on a new challenge at the ripe old age of 34. His legendary figures at Barcelona read a staggering 672 goals and 305 assists in 778 appearances, making him the greatest player in the club’s history. Messi, though, has no shortage of suitors, with PSG and Chelsea hot on his trails.
Paris Saint-Germain already have one of the most stacked squads in the world, with their first-team being beefed up further following the arrival of Sergio Ramos, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Georginio Wijnaldum and Achraf Hakimi. As for their attack, they already have two of the best players in the world in Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
Paris Saint-Germain are close to sign Leo Messi, confirmed. PSG are preparing the official contract until June 2023 to be submitted to Messi and his father Jorge in the next hours ??? #Messi
Messi’s open to join PSG. Neymar was pushing in the last 24h. PSG are so, so confident. pic.twitter.com/WNRYJKCkjs
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 6, 2021
Messi’s addition, though, will take PSG to the next level, possibly making their team by far the strongest on the planet. Indeed, with Moise Kean unlikely to be signed, Messi will prove to be quite an upgrade on the Italian forward and then some. However, the French giants have been facing some stiff competition from Chelsea in Messi’s pursuit, as per Spanish publication AS.
The interest from Chelsea is not too surprising, seeing as they have been desperate to add some goals to their squad this summer, after Jorginho finished as their top scorer in the Premier League. To that end, the Blues have been heavily linked with Romelu Lukaku and Erling Haaland, although Messi is definitely someone who can usurp both of the star forwards.
However, as per the reliable Fabrizio Romano, it is PSG who are set to win the race to sign Messi in the summer transfer window, with Chelsea set to be beaten in his pursuit. Romano has added that Messi will sign a two-year contract with Les Parisiens, with Neymar also pushing for his arrival.
Also Read: Chelsea, PSG or the MLS – Where will Lionel Messi end up after Barcelona exit?
As for Barcelona, despite getting Messi’s enormous wages off their books, they are not out of danger on the financial front just yet, with president Joan Laporta hinting that they are on the verge of bankruptcy. A new era now beckons the Catalan giants, and it remains to be seen how they come out of the departure of Messi, on whom they have been overreliant for the longest time.
