Your morning Chelsea digest on Saturday, March 25.
Messi impact
Chelsea's summer transfer window plan appears to hinge on whether or not Lionel Messi decides to stay at Paris Saint-Germain. The 35-year-old faces an increasingly uncertain future at Les Parc des Princes with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.
Messi is yet to commit his long-term future to the Parisians and, having been heavily linked with moves to either the MLS or a return to his homeland, it's said that PSG are beginning construct a contingency plan in the event that he leaves. According to Calciomercato, the French giants hold a 'serious' interest in Rafael Leao.
The report states that they're willing to activate the AC Milan star's £132million release clause. Leao sees his contract at the San Siro expire at the end of next season, but the Rossoneri are hoping to tie the forward down to a new long-term deal.
READ MORE: Victor Osimhen has told Chelsea manager Graham Potter what he wants to hear
Mac Allister stance
Chelsea have been handed a huge boost in the race to sign Alexis Mac Allister as Graham Potter looks to bolster his options in the summer. The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from Brighton for some time now as he continues to impress for club and country.
In an interview with ESPN Argentina, Alexis Mac Allister's father, Carlos, admitted that contact has been made with various clubs over a move in the summer. However, he insisted that their decision will not be swayed by financial gain but rather the 'best project' and coach.
"Clubs are starting to call us for Alexis but there are no concrete talks now," Carlos said, as quoted by 90min. "We’ll decide together with Brighton, they deserve respect. We will pick the best project, based on the coach too — it’s not about money."
Gnonto breaks silence
Leeds United star Wilfried Gnonto is a target for Premier League giants Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, according to Gazzetta Dello Sport. The talented forward has looked extremely impressive since arriving at Elland Road last summer, netting four goals and providing three assists this term.
After the defeat to England, Gnonto was asked about life in Leeds. Speaking to Tutto Mercato Web, he said: "I made this type of choice. I’m happy and I’ve shown that I’m a good player and I think I’ll do even better."
READ NEXT:
Brave Enzo Fernandez decision pays off as Chelsea plan for Mykhailo Mudryk becomes clear
Thiago Silva replacement finally emerging at Chelsea as Josko Gvardiol given transfer advice
Kante return, Fernandez and Felix injured – Chelsea best and worst international break scenarios
Thiago Silva brilliant, Mount poor, Enzo Fernandez hype - Chelsea 2022/23 player ratings so far
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
