Chelsea made a sensational bid to sign Barcelona megastar Lionel Messi in this summer’s transfer period, according to reports in Catalonia.
In what would have been the most talked-about move in years, the Blues submitted the cheeky bid for Messi due to his strained relations with the Barcelona board following last season’s frustrating campaign which saw some of the club’s fans criticise him for below-part performances.
Catalan channel TV3 aired a programme called Efectivament revealing that Jose Mourinho wanted to exploit Messi’s then uncertain situation and persuaded owner Roman Abramovich to make an offer to the Catalan club.
However, neither the Barcelona board, or Messi himself were interested in the deal, and it never matelialised.
This follows reports earlier this summer that Arsenal were also considering a move for Messi, the cover star of Fifa 15.
Spanish website Vozpopuli believed Messi spoke to then team-mate Cesc Fabregas about a move to the Gunners after becoming disillusioned with life at Camp Nou.
However, the four-time Ballon d’Or winner’s buy-out clause and wages ensured he was out of Arsene Wenger’s reach.
Messi has signed a new deal at the Nou Camp, with an increase in wages.
Steve Osborne @SteveOsborne23
