Here is your Chelsea transfer roundup on Thursday, December 22.
Messi PSG contract update
The future of Lionel Messi, both internationally and domestically, is currently up in the air following Argentina's World Cup triumph with his current Paris Saint-Germain contract up in the summer.
Conflicting reports have recently emerged surrounding Messi and any contract extension talks with PSG, potentially giving Chelsea and Todd Boehly a boost in their hopes of signing him.
Fabrizio Romano is reporting that a verbal agreement has been reached with Messi to stay at PSG beyond the conclusion of the 2022/23 season.
However, there are conflicting reports that suggest otherwise, with Ben Jacobs revealing no talks have occurred between Messi and PSG post-World Cup about an extension.
READ MORE: Chelsea and Arsenal set to learn midfielder January transfer fate with Barcelona contract talks
Gvardiol release clause
Chelsea's transfer pursuit of RB Leipzig star Josko Gvardiol has taken a significant turn following the reveal of a €110million (£96million) release clause in the 20-year-olds contract that will become active in 2024.
Todd Boehly is keen to add further signings to Graham Potter's squad in the January transfer window with Gvardiol having been monitored by the club for some time, football.london understands.
Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenburg, following an initial report from Yvonne Gabriel, has now claimed that Gvardiol will see a €110million (£96million) release clause in his contract become active in 2024.
Plettenberg also states that Leipzig have a "good" chance of keeping Gvardiol at the club in the summer and if that plays out as suggested, his clause would become activate and that price of just under £100million would likely be the demand to any interested club.
Andrey Santos transfer
Chelsea look to have been able to fend off interest from Real Madrid, Manchester City and Newcastle United to secure their second January signing in the form of Vasco de Gama midfielder Andrey Santos.
French outlet Le10 Sport wrote last month that Chelsea were set to agree a £15m deal for Santos, with the Blues moving swiftly to secure his signature before interest arrived from elsewhere.
Lucas Pedrosa has now revealed the proposal from Chelsea for Santos was formalized following the conclusion of the World Cup.
Here's what you need to know about the midfielder.
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