Chelsea and Manchester City are among several clubs on high alert following a breakthrough regarding Lionel Messi’s future.
The two English clubs are reportedly already are on high alert having made initial contact with the 34-year-old, report the Sun.
However, now having heard what Javier Tebas, the President of La Liga, has said regarding Messi’s future, the leading clubs across Europe will be undoubtedly getting their calculators out, devising whether an offer is financially tangible or not.
Speaking to Spanish TV programme, Jugones of la Sexta (via Mundo Deportivo), Tebas claimed that he is unsure as to whether the six-time Ballon d’Or winner will be able to start the forthcoming season at Camp Nou due to the financial fair play restrictions.
Tebas said: “I do not know if Messi will start the League with Barcelona. If there are no exits, it is impossible.”
The Spanish Football Association President continued as he explained the details behind why Messi may find himself entertaining offers from clubs like Chelsea and City.
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“One thing is to exceed the salary limit and another that they can incorporate or renew players with the 1×4 rule,” said Tebas. “Every four euros they save, one euro can be incorporated.”
The Argentinian’s three-year bumper contract at Barcelona expired on 30th June following the Catalan side’s financial restraints whereby they are required to reduce their wage bill by €200,000, reports Zach Lowy on Twitter (@ZachLowy).
This has meant Barcelona are unable to sign the likes of Sergio Aguero on a free transfer, despite having already officially unveiled the former Manchester City striker, let alone renew Messi’s contract.
Barcelona are in a difficult position as they look to balance their books, with the future of their number ten and the future of several other long serving players uncertain, which could leave the door open for Chelsea and City to pounce.
Antoine Greizmann has been offered to Chelsea, among others, as the Catalan club look to relieve some weight from their wage bill in a bid to offer Messi a new contract, report the Daily Star.
The summer window is officially open and now the Blues can look to build on European glory and bolster the squad to push for Premier League supremacy.
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When at Paris Saint German, Thomas Tuchel spoke about his fondness for the Frenchman amid rumours linking the two parties together.
Speaking in 2019 to the media, Tuchel said: “Griezmann can play with every team in the world. It would please any coach, but right now it’s not realistic [for PSG].”
The German manager continued as he detailed as to why PSG did not need Griezmann, but instead said he preferred to sign a defender. However, now at Chelsea with such a rich defensive record, the Barcelona striker could prove to be an option for Tuchel and a shrewd alternative to Erling Haaland.
“We are looking for players with certain profiles; it must be realistic,” Tuchel said. “We need defensive profiles, and we have to start with that.”