PSG had Lionel Messi to Chelsea transfer fear before deal that Blues were forced to deny

Lionel Messi arrives in Paris after agreeing PSG deal

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Chelsea were forced to deny they had made a move for Lionel Messi as Paris Saint-Germain worked to finalise the details on his arrival in the French capital. Messi sealed his free transfer to the Parc Des Princes on Tuesday evening, in a bumper two-year deal.

The Ligue 1 giants have been working since last Thursday to bring in the Argentine superstar, with a move to Paris quickly becoming Messi’s preferred option.

Virtually all of Europe’s leading clubs were linked with the 34-year-old following the bombshell announcement that he would be leaving Barcelona.

Despite agreeing to a significant wage cut, the Catalan club’s disastrous financial state meant that a new contract in any form would not pass through La Liga’s salary cap rules.

Messi then became a free agent for the first time in his career, launching a battle to bring in one of the world’s best-ever players.

A return to Manchester City, a move to Stamford Bridge and even signing off his career in the MLS were all thought to be options.

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But the prospect of playing alongside Neymar again in a time that will be the heavy favourite to win the Champions League title proved too good to turn down.

PSG have wrapped up the deal remarkably quickly, with Messi having been on the market for just five days.

Negotiations between the French giants and Messi’s team of representatives moved at a rapid pace.

According to The Athletic, Messi’s lawyers travelled to Paris last Saturday to finalise the terms of his bumper contract.

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But even as they were putting the finishing touches to his £22million a year deal, PSG are reported to have had a “touch of anxiety”.

It is stated that this was caused by a belief inside the Parc Des Princes that Chelsea were set to hijack the deal.

Rumours are said to have spread within the French club that the Blues had prepared a “late approach” to the Argentina captain.

PSG were reportedly left fearing that any move from Chelsea would lead to Messi’s already hefty wage demands increasing.

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This fear appears to have been misplaced though, with The Athletic stating that the Premier League side denied making such an approach.

Despite the threat that Chelsea could make a late move, PSG were able to complete the deal within a matter of days.

Messi will be handed a signing-on fee in the region of £22m, with the 34-year-old earning the same sum each year in salary.

The Barca icon becomes the sixth new signing for PSG, with Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sergio Ramos and Georginio Wijnaldum also joining on free transfers.
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