Chelsea interest in bargain star 'just like Messi' becoming concrete

Tom Weber

• Updated: 8 Jan 2024 17:24 GMT
• 3 min read

Though unlikely that they will ever be able to sign the real one, Chelsea are obsessed with the idea of getting their hands on Lionel Messi, it seems.

After it was revealed that BlueCo are interested in acquiring Messi's boyhood club, Newell's Old Boys in Argentina, fresh reports suggest that Chelsea now want to sign a player whom Messi described as being "just like me."

The player in question is, of course, Paulo Dybala. Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that the AS Roma star, who is under contract until 2025, has a release clause worth just €12 million until January 15, meaning that several clubs have been put on alert.

Among those sides, according to Italian media, are Chelsea. Though they will need to act fast, it is claimed that the Blues' interest could become more concrete in the near future.

Dybala to Chelsea?

As FootballTransfers pointed out last week, Dybala would be a welcome injection of proven quality for this young and inconsistent Chelsea squad. The idea of deal materialising may seem far-fetched, but it would not be as shocking a move as it appears on the face of it.

Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino is a long-time admirer of his compatriot and previously tried to lure him to PSG. Moreover, Dybala boasts a wealth of experience, something quite useful to the coach, who is reportedly ready to ditch Chelsea's transfer focus on young prospects and instead wants more established, quality players.

The 30-year-old is an absolute bargain at €12m and Tuttomercatoweb claims that Dybala has been "identified [as] the ideal profile." The Blues are "thinking about it and studying" the possibility of signing him, it is asserted.

No official offer has as yet been made. The biggest hurdle, it seems, would be to actually convince the player. Dybala is reportedly settled in Rome and Jose Mourinho's club are keen on extending his deal and getting rid of that dangerous release clause.