Chelsea have debunked rumours linking Barcelona forward Lionel Messi with a move to Stamford Bridge.
Messi has over the week been touted for a bumper exit from the Camp Nou after he missed an open training session on Monday before which his following of Chelsea FC on Instagram fueled rumour of an impending move to Stamford Bridge.
The four-time Ballon d’Or winner is reportedly the most valuable footballer at present, with his buyout clause and wages understood to worth £550m- a figure many believe hands just few clubs a trump card for a prospective deal.
Chelsea’s assistant coach Steve Holland said: “Jose (Mourinho) has made it quite clear his expectations are that nobody comes and nobody goes during the transfer window.
“We’re perfectly happy with what we have. It’s not a decision I personally would make. When you look at the numbers being mentioned around Messi, I would think it’s an impossible deal for any club working within the financial fair play rules.”
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has also managed to quell rumours that the Argentine is unsettled at the club.
Bartomeu said: “Messi has a contract until 2018, he is happy with the club and wants to win more titles.
“There is nothing to panic about in that regard. Messi is the central figure. The team is built around him. The whole footballing world knows that Barca don’t want to sell Messi. For me he is the best player in the world.”
