Messi, Neymar, Modric: Chelsea signings Roman Abramovich wanted

Roman Abramovich ‘seriously tried’ to complete a sensational deal to bring Lionel Messi to Chelsea.

Speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, football journalist Fabrizio Romano discussed five huge transfers that Abramovich tried to pull off during his reign at Stamford Bridge.

And the Russian’s apparent attempts to sign Messi in 2014 was the headline-grabbing part of the video.

“It was not one step away but Chelsea were really trying to sign Leo Messi in 2014, with Jose Mourinho as the manager,” Romano revealed.

“They were really pushing and pushing on Leo Messi’s side to try to persuade him to try a Champions League experience.

“They [Chelsea] were contacting people close to Leo Messi, discussing with people and lawyers close to Messi to try to convince him for a new opportunity in the Premier League.

“Then everything collapsed simple because of Barcelona. Barcelona was something special for Lionel Messi.

“He decided together with his family to stay in Catalonia to continue his experience with Barcelona.

“But Roman Abramovich wanted Leo Messi. He was going seriously to try for Messi as the new star for Chelsea but the deal collapsed.

“What an incredible story it would have been to have Leo Messi in their team.”

If you don’t ask, you don’t get, eh Chelsea?

So, who were the other four players Abramovich wanted at Chelsea?

Roberto Carlos

Romano: “Maybe the best left-back in the history of football. If not the best, one of the best.

“But really, what he did was impressive with Real Madrid, with the Brazil national team. 

“But for Roberto Carlos in 2007, Chelsea were really, really close. I could say one step away from signing Roberto Carlos.

“But what happened? Roberto Carlos himself said in an interview that he had to