Roman Abramovich to break silence on Chelsea sale

Roman Abramovich seeks face-to-face meeting with Messi

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has jumped into the race for released Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.

Messi was cut loose by Barcelona on Thursday in a stunning decision.

AS says Chelsea are now well in the race to sign Messi.

The report states the Blues are keen to continue their pursuit of £100m-rated Romelu Lukaku as well as a move for the Argentine.

Messi is expected to command wages of at least £500,000 a week, having been on over £1m at the Nou Camp before his proposed wage cut.

But Chelsea owner Abramovich is claimed to be wanting to arrange a meeting with Messi’s team sooner rather than later.

The Russian billionaire knows he faces a huge ask to beat PSG to the punch, though.

PSG had been in for Messi last year after it became clear the Nou Camp icon wanted to leave.