The summer transfer window has now begun, with rumours and speculation continuing to swirl as Chelsea eye possible reinforcements.
The Blues failed to bring in a single player during the January window, despite seeing their transfer ban cut short by FIFA, but have already been busy this summer.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings from Stamford Bridge.
Monday morning's Chelsea transfer talk news roundup:
Chelsea 'exploring possibility of signing Lionel Messi'
© Reuters
Chelsea are reportedly weighing up a potential move for Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi.
The Argentine is believed to be considering his future at Camp Nou, with various reports suggesting that the forward could seek pastures new during this summer's transfer window.
Manchester City and Inter Milan have both been strongly linked with the 33-year-old, who is said to have already informed new Barca boss Ronald Koeman that he could be on the move.
However, according to Sport, Chelsea are also exploring the possibility of signing the South American.
The report claims that the Blues have other areas that they want to address first, having already improved their attack by signing Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner during this summer's transfer window.
Frank Lampard's side would allegedly be interested if Messi became available, though, and are keeping a close eye on developments as the speculation continues to gather pace.
Barca are said to be unprepared to sell their star player this summer for less than his £631m release clause.
Thiago Silva 'set to pen one-year contract with Chelsea'
© Reuters
Chelsea are reportedly closing in on the signing of experienced centre-back Thiago Silva.
The 35-year-old captained Paris Saint-Germain into Sunday night's Champions League final with Bayern Munich, which was decided by a Kingsley Coman goal in the second period.
Silva has now become a free agent, though, and various reports in recent days have claimed that he is a target for Frank Lampard's side ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.
According to Sky Sports News, the Blues are now closing in on the signing of the Brazilian, who is set to pen a contract with the Premier League club until June 2021.
Silva has spent the last eight years with PSG, making over 300 appearances in all competitions, winning seven Ligue 1 titles in the process during a hugely successful spell.
Fiorentina have also been strongly linked with his services in recent days.
More transfer news from Chelsea:
Barcelona 'eye Paulo Dybala as Lionel Messi replacement'
Barcelona identify Juventus attacker Paulo Dybala as a potential replacement for Lionel Messi, according to a report. Read more.
Napoli president: 'No suitable bids for Kalidou Koulibaly'
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis insists that the Italian giants have still not received a suitable offer for Kalidou Koulibaly. Read more.
