Chelsea Throws its Hat in the Ring to Sign Barcelona Star Messi, Says Pundit

The Argentine football player declared his intention to leave Barcelona FC earlier this year, but later confirmed that he would stay in the club against his wishes. However, reports are still emerging in the media that major football clubs continue trying to lure the star, offering him lucrative deals.

English football club Chelsea is joining the ranks of suitors to woo Argentine football star Lionel Messi from Barcelona after he expressed his wish to leave for pastures new, according to Spanish football journalist Guillem Balagué in a YouTube video.

According to the pundit, if Messi departs from the club, the Blues "will be in the equation" to sign the star.

The footballer's contract ends next summer, but the 33-year-old forward said earlier this year that he wanted to terminate it. However, he later told the Goal.com website that he would stay on, "no matter how much he has wanted to go".

Since the announcement, the media have suggested the star could be transferred to Manchester City, France's Paris Saint-Germain or Italy's Juventus.