It is well known that Chelsea owner Roman Abaramovich has long craved not only to win, but to do so in a style akin to that of the great Barcelona side. It is not surprising then that the Russian billionaire appears willing to do anything to lure outgoing Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola into the manger's seat at Stamford Bridge, despite the 41-year-old's assertions that he wants to take a break from the game.
Reports in Spain by El Confidencial now claim that Abramovich is even prepared to sanction a £200 million offer for Lionel Messi as a welcome present for Guardiola, according to Tribal Football.
Were the deal to come off it would smash the record for the most expensive transfer in history, currently held by Cristiano Ronaldo's £80 million move to Real Madrid fromManchester United in 2009.
But it is hard to envisage an offer of £200 million tempting either Barcelona or Messi to part ways. And with financial fair play coming into effect, Abramovich is surely unlikely to sanction such a mind-blowing move.
A more realistic, yet still far from inexpensive, target is Porto star Hulk. The Brazilian has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge since former manager Andre Villas-Boas' time at the club. And now the Brazil international has admitted that he would be tempted by a move to one of Europe's big guns, according toESPN Soccernet.
"No one has contacted me, also because I do not get involved in such situations," he revealed, via his Twitter feed. "I have an agent and he handles such things for me. If something must happen, he will find what is best for me.
"Thanks to God, I am fine in Portugal and I am still motivated. Every year, a lot is speculated about my exit. I am in my fourth year at Porto, I am focused on this club and I have four years left on my contract.
"If I have to leave, it will certainly be a good move. If I have to leave for one of the big leagues, I would do it happily."
Another forward Chelsea are said to be pursuing is Paraguayan youngster Mauro Caballero. The 17-year-old Libertad prospect has already impressed as part of the Paraguay youth setup as well as in his limited game time for his club. But with La Liga duo Barcelona and Real Madrid also said to be interested, according to Tribal Football, he could take some convincing to move to Stamford Bridge.
There is further Barcelona involvement in the latest speculation surrounding Chelsea, with a report that defender David Luiz is tempted by the prospect of a move to the Catalan giants.
The charismatic Brazilian has long been mooted as a possible target for Barcelona this summer. And Sport has claimed that Luiz would welcome the chance to join the recently deposed European champions, according to Tribal Football.