Jamie Redknapp backs Chelsea for Lionel Messi raid

Jamie Redknapp believes that Chelsea could sign Lionel Messi from Barcelona in the summer transfer window.

The former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, who now works as a pundit for Sky Sports, believes that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich could afford to sign the Argentina international forward from Spanish and European giants Barcelona if he wanted to.

The 33-year-old’s future at Barcelona is wrapped up in uncertainty at the moment.

While Messi has told the Blaugrana that he wants to leave, the La Liga outfit are insistent that any club wishing to sign him have to pay his release clause of €700 million.

Football.London quotes Redknapp as saying: “The likes of Man City, PSG, and if Abramovich wanted to sign him he could certainly fork up the money, I’m sure.

“He could find the money from somewhere. Right now, if you’re going to pay £700m for someone who’s 33 years of age, that doesn’t make sense to me.

“If you can get him on a free transfer, of course, I’d love to see him in the Premier League.”

Blockbuster signing for Chelsea

Messi remains the world’s best player and arguably the greatest footballer ever, and Chelsea signing the veteran Argentine would be a coup.

Chelsea owner Abramovich is a billionaire and the Russian businessman can certainly afford it.

Messi joining the Blues would instant make them firm favourites to win the Premier League title next season, with Frank Lampard’s side currently rated at 9/1 third favourites by Betfair to do so.

However, Financial Fair Play rules may stop Chelsea from splashing the cash on Messi’s release clause and his salary.