Revealed: The two Premier League teams trying to sign Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is out of contract at the end of the current season as his two-year deal with Paris Saint-Germain runs towards its end in June next year.
It’s still unclear whether Messi will extend his deal with the reigning French champions, amid interest from other clubs such as Barcelona, who have made it their priority to bring him back to the Camp Nou.
It has been suggested that Messi will make his decision in the new year, as he’s focusing on the World Cup, and clubs will know his future in 2023.
READ: Revealed: Messi’s excitement at renewing with Barcelona
However, others are still circling and monitoring the situation, and there are two Premier League sides that could make a move for him in the hope of signing him.
Messi of interest to Premier League sides
According to Fichajes, the two sides at reigning champions Manchester City and Chelsea, and they have the financial resources to afford bringing the Argentine over to their club.
Manchester City are one of the world’s richest clubs and maintained an interest in Messi when the player first wished to leave Barcelona back in 2020.
READ: Lionel Messi's transfer to PSG to be investigated
Pep Guardiola has always been an admirer of Messi, having helped make him the player he became when the pair worked together between 2008 and 2012.
He will be a key piece if Messi is to be convinced with a move to the Etihad Stadium in 2023, and it could be something that can work out.
🇦🇷 Trademark Messi ©️@PSG_English || #UCL pic.twitter.com/azca5vjnMB
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 27, 2022
Chelsea are the other side, having been willing to spend freely under their new ownership group, led by Todd Boehly and his consortium.
They have been targeting a move for Cristiano Ronaldo, but if an opportunity for Messi arises, it wouldn’t be something they turn down.
It seems as though one of Barcelona or PSG will be Messi’s top destinations, but the two will be aware that Premier League clubs are always lurking and a move is a possibility.