Two Premier League teams enter race to sign Lionel Messi – report

With his time at Paris Saint-Germain finally coming to an end, Lionel Messi is expected to make a decision on his future soon. The 7 time Ballon d’Or winner continues to be a sought-after asset as he remains one of Europe’s most influential players.

Following PSG’s announcement bidding Messi farewell and the closure of his final game in Ligue 1, Leo is officially a free agent. The World Cup winner heads into the summer transfer market with no contractual obligations restricting his negotiations with other clubs.

According to Pablo Gravellone, Premier League heavyweights Newcastle and Chelsea have emerged as potential suitors for Messi, having shown interest in the coveted Argentine.

While the South American already appears to be weighing up other options, which include his boyhood club FC Barcelona, Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal and MLS giants Inter Miami, Messi is certain to survey all possible destinations.

Chelsea and Newcastle have benefited from an influx of financial support, making them viable options in the pursuit of Messi. Although Chelsea have struggled to find form in the Premier League, they possess a wide array of talented footballers within their ranks and such individual quality presents a fair amount of appeal.

On the other hand, Newcastle have been on the ascendancy as they achieved Champions League football, following an exceptional campaign in the English League. Under the tutelage of Eddie Howe, the club’s smart transfer strategy has paid off and thus the meteoric rise of the Magpies proves to be an attractive selling point.

However, Lionel Messi is reportedly more inclined to return to Barcelona, where he previously elevated to insurmountable heights. The Catalans’ tussles with financial fair play and La Liga’s delay in approving the Feasibility Plan have slowed down the process, but both parties appear to be searching for common ground.

Messi has given an ultimatum to the Blaugranas and is not expected to stall excessively for a concretized offer. If finances come in the way, other options will have to be studied by the player. In such a context, Newcastle and Chelsea stand as realistic options for Leo.

Moreover, back in February, Fabrizio claimed, “Messi wants competitive football, he wants to stay in Europe.” In spite of Al Hilal’s financial muscle, the Argentine’s desire to stay in Europe strengthens the aforementioned English clubs’ prospects of bagging Messi.