Paper round-up: Chelsea reportedly in the running to sign Messi

Chelsea are being linked with a possible move for Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.

It comes amid continued doubts over the future of the Argentine, who has been tipped to leave Barca.


The Sun have picked up on speculation that Chelsea could make a move for Messi.

It comes after well-known Spanish football reporter Guillem Balague claimed that Chelsea are in the running to sign him.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Balague said: “Chelsea are definitely in the equation if Messi becomes available. That is true.

“Chelsea will insist they want to hear everything that is going on. If they have the money they will want to be involved too. Remember, there is no transfer fee.”

Meanwhile, William Saliba is being linked with another return to St Etienne from Arsenal.

Saliba has not played for the Gunners since joining them from St Etienne in 2019 and he spent last season back on loan with the French club.

The Sun suggest he could be on his way out of the Emirates Stadium for good after failing to make an impact in north London.

The Daily Mail reports that Arsenal plan to distribute tickets to key workers and fans who have struggled during the Covid-19 pandemic after clubs were given the go-ahead to readmit fans.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is interested in bringing in Real Madrid’s Isco, according to the Daily Express.

The Times reports that a pay cut taken by Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy means he is no longer the Premier League’s highest-paid executive – but he still earned £2.96m last season.

And the Mail say Premier League clubs are showing an interest in Marcus Bettinelli because of the Fulham goalkeeper’s impressive performances on loan at Middlesbrough.