The summer transfer window has now begun, with rumours and speculation continuing to swirl as Chelsea eye possible reinforcements.
The Blues failed to bring in a single player during the January window, despite seeing their transfer ban cut short by FIFA, but have already been busy this summer.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings from Stamford Bridge.
Wednesday morning's Chelsea transfer talk news roundup:
Rio Ferdinand claims Chelsea are interested in signing Lionel Messi
© Reuters
Rio Ferdinand has claimed that his friend and former West Ham United teammate Frank Lampard is interested in signing Lionel Messi for Chelsea.
A number of Europe's biggest clubs have been put on red alert after Messi handed in a bombshell transfer request this evening, asking to leave the club he has represented for his entire career so far.
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, could be available on a free transfer due to a clause in his contract, although Barcelona are expected to legally challenge that.
Ferdinand, who also worked as a TV pundit alongside Lampard before the latter moved into the management, has now claimed that the Chelsea boss wants to bring Messi to Stamford Bridge in a blockbuster deal.
Just heard Frank Lampard is now in for #messi
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) August 25, 2020
Some window this if Lamps pulls this off !!
Chelsea have already signed Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech this summer, while deals for Kai Havertz, Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell and Malang Sarr are also thought to be in the pipeline.
Messi has scored 634 goals in 731 games for Barcelona, helping the club to 10 La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues among a plethora of other trophies.
Thiago Silva 'to undergo Chelsea medical on Thursday'
© Reuters
Thiago Silva is reportedly scheduled to undergo his Chelsea medical on Thursday ahead of a free transfer.
With his contract at Paris Saint-Germain having come to an end, the 35-year-old is contemplating ending his eight-year spell at Parc des Princes.
Despite the French giants allegedly making a last-ditch attempt to convince the Brazilian to extend his stay in France, it appears likely that the veteran will move to Stamford Bridge.
According to Sky Sports News, the centre-back will undergo a medical with club staff later this week.
Given the restrictions in place with regards to coronavirus, tests may be held away from England in order to avoid a mandatory 14-day quarantine period at this stage of the summer.
Having featured for PSG in the Champions League final on Sunday evening, Silva will now take some time off before resuming training next month.
More transfer news from Chelsea:
Manchester United 'among clubs considering Lionel Messi move'
Manchester United are reportedly among the clubs monitoring Lionel Messi's situation at Barcelona following the Argentine's request to leave Camp Nou. Read more.
Former Barcelona chief insists Lionel Messi cannot leave for free this summer
Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta insists that Lionel Messi cannot legally leave the club for free this summer and urges the Catalans to hold out for a £630m fee. Read more.
Thomas Tuchel makes last-ditch attempt to keep Thiago Silva at Paris Saint-Germain?
Thomas Tuchel has asked Paris Saint-Germain to offer Thiago Silva another contract extension to stop him from joining Chelsea, according to a report. Read more.
Report: Chelsea agree £50m deal for Leicester City left-back Ben Chilwell
A report claims that Chelsea will complete the signing of Leicester City defender Ben Chilwell in the next three days. Read more.
Philippe Coutinho prefers Premier League move to Barcelona stay?
Barcelona attacker Philippe Coutinho reportedly wants to move back to the Premier League rather than stay at Camp Nou. Read more.
Chelsea pip Arsenal, Barcelona to former Nice defender Malang Sarr?
Free agent defender Malang Sarr could reportedly become a Chelsea player by the end of the week. Read more.
Former Chelsea winger Pedro completes Roma move on three-year deal
The 33-year-old winger left Chelsea at the end of the season. Read more.
