Chelsea news: Lionel Messi snubs PSG contract as Todd Boehly given Enzo Fernandez ultimatum

Here is your Chelsea morning digest on Thursday, January 26.

Messi snubs PSG extension

Chelsea have been handed a huge boost in their nine-year mission to sign Lionel Messi. The 35-year-old forward faces an increasingly uncertain future at Paris Saint-Germain with his contract at Les Parc des Princes set to expire at the end of the season.

Messi was expected to sign a one-year extension with the Parisians but, after winning the World Cup with Argentina in December, it’s said that he’s had a change of heart. According to Spanish outlet Marca, the Argentine is no longer motivated to win more titles in France or the Champions League again after achieving his ‘ultimate dream’.

Messi’s dramatic 180 has put several clubs on red alert; one whom is believed to be Inter Miami, the MLS outfit owned by David Beckham. Marca adds that PSG want to keep the forward in the French capital but, as it stands, he’s set to be available on a free transfer – for Chelsea, among others too – in the summer.

Fernandez update

Benfica head coach Roger Schmidt says he is confident Enzo Fernandez will remain at the club despite Chelsea reigniting their attempt to sign the midfielder before the January transfer window closes. The Blues have explored other midfield options but last week restarted talks with the Portuguese giants over a deal for the Argentine.

The Benfica head coach said: “Yes, of course [I’m confident Enzo stays]. I think when you see Enzo playing at the moment for Benfica, I see a player who is on his top level, who is very happy to play for the club and I think there is nothing else in the mindset of the player.

“I don’t expect that we lose any of our players who are playing a lot and who are in the starting XI. That’s why I see very focused players and that’s why I expect that he stays.”

Credit: Football.London