Jamie Redknapp has backed Chelsea to be able to afford Lionel Messi should Roman Abramovich wish to sign the Argentinian great.
There are plenty of question marks over Messi's future after he signalled his desire to leave Barcelona - but only a select few clubs could afford him.
Whilst Chelsea's spending power has waned in recent years, they have flexed their financial muscle this season with big-money deals for the likes of Timo Werner and Ben Chilwell.
Even so, not many believe Chelsea are among the clubs that could afford to sign Messi if he does leave Barca.
Yet, speaking to Sky Sports, Redknapp believes the Blues are in with a chance should Abramovich sanction the deal.
He said: "When you see some players, you think they're only ever going to wear the Barcelona shirt.
"I didn't see it, I thought it was a wind-up or a joke, but it does feel real.
"I just wonder whether they've backed themselves into a corner, the Messi camp, as they thought they could get him out on a free transfer and then he becomes a very viable deal for a select few clubs.
"The likes of Man City, PSG, and if Abramovich wanted to sign him he could certainly fork up the money, I'm sure.
"He could find the money from somewhere.
"Right now, if you're going to pay £700m for someone who's 33 years of age, that doesn't make sense to me.
"If you can get him on a free transfer, of course, I'd love to see him in the Premier League.
"He's amazing, the way he plays.
"He's the best I've ever seen live, I've never seen anyone do things like it with a football.
"I'd love the Premier League fans be able to see him once the grounds open up.
"It'd be great to see him in our league."
