6 Most Ridiculous Chelsea Transfer Rumours

Despite Jose Mourinho's assertions that he would not be doing any business in January, the rumour mill has continued to spit out links between Chelsea and almost every player in Europe. These have covered the whole spectrum, from laughable to borderline insulting.

With that in mind, let's take a look at six of the most ridiculous recent rumours that have namechecked Chelsea and how likely it is that they could cross the border into reality. Likelihood is assessed by looking into what the player and the club have said about the situation.

Lionel Messi to Chelsea

Michael Regan/Getty Images

Here Messi, try this on for size.

Believe it or not, this was an actual news story. Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo ran a story, picked up by the Independent, that Adidas were desperate to get Lionel Messi to play for a club that they sponsor.

Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Chelsea were the three clubs suggested, with the sportswear giant apparently willing to pay half of the superstar’s whopping £210 million buyout clause.

Despite this, Messi made it clear that he does not want to leave Barcelona, and Adidas have since rubbished this rumour in French newspaper L’Equipe (h/t ESPN.)

Still, this has to win the prize for the most outlandish Chelsea transfer rumour ever.

Likelihood of a deal being done: -10/10. It will never happen.

John Terry to Galatasaray

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Chelsea’s policy of only offering one-year extensions to players over 30 years old has led to annual speculation about the fate of their veterans. John Terry began his career with the Blues and has made it clear that he wants to retire as a one-club man.

That doesn’t stop the rumours that he will leave Chelsea.

The latest rumour is that Terry will link up with Didier Drogba at Galatasaray in the January transfer window, after the Mirror reported that Roberto Mancini has put the captain on his transfer wish list.

The Daily Mail have since reported that this rumour is in fact nonsense, and Terry has no desire to leave Stamford Bridge, but that is unlikely to stop it from being trotted out on a slow news day.

Likelihood of deal being done: 1/10. Anything is possible, but the shock factor would surpass that of Rafa Benitez’ appointment as manager last year.

Radamel Falcao to Chelsea

Christopher Lee/Getty Images

You thought this one was over didn’t you?

It feels like Radamel Falcao has been linked with a move to Chelsea in every transfer window since his birth. His move to Monaco in the summer has done precisely nothing to stop these rumours from resurfacing, with their most recent incarnation coming after Columbia’s 2-0 friendly win over Belgium.

Mourinho was in the crowd that night, and according to the Metro, he was there to scout Falcao. Of course, his presence could have had something to do with the four Chelsea players named in the Belgium squad, but why let the details like that get in the way of fantastical rumours?

The Express have suggested that a bid of £52 million plus Fernando Torres is being prepared by Chelsea. The Daily Mail are reporting that any deal with Monaco would cost Chelsea £60 million, with Falcao wanting £450,000 a week in wages to make up for losing his tax-free status.

Likelihood of deal being done: 0.01/10. Chelsea are far too aware of the ramifications of Financial Fair Play to be contemplating any such deal.

Ramires to Barcelona or Real Madrid

David Ramos/Getty Images

Ramires has quickly become one of Jose Mourinho’s new generation of “untouchables” at Chelsea. His incredible stamina and pace have attracted interest from clubs across Europe, with Real Madrid and Barcelona taking a particular interest in the box-to-box midfielder.

When the Mirror reported that Real were interested in signing Ramires in January, the Brazilian released this statement:

"

I see the interest of Real Madrid as recognition of my good work in Europe, but I’m under contract with Chelsea and it would be unethical of me to comment. For the moment, these are only rumours. I am very happy here. I am respected and part of the club’s history. If I leave, Chelsea would have to make the decision. Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs in the world and I have realised my dream here. The Premier League is one of the toughest competitions in the world. I can only say that we have the means to win. Our team is strong and we can win it all this season. Winning the Champions League was one of the greatest moments in my career. I think the only title that can compete with that is the World Cup in Brazil.

"

The logical conclusion to draw from that statement is that Ramires is perfectly happy at Chelsea and has no plans to leave. Despite this, The Express have reported that Barcelona are also interested in adding the 27-year-old to their midfield.

Likelihood of a deal being done: 0/10. Ramires is happy, Mourinho is happy, he’s not going anywhere.

Wesley Sneijder to Chelsea

Phil Cole/Getty Images

The Netherlands national team coach Louis van Gaal told talkSPORT that he wants Wesley Sneijder to move to Chelsea in order to regain his place in the squad ahead of the World Cup. Van Gaal said:

"

I know Chelsea and Jose Mourinho want Sneijder. In my opinion, if possible Sneijder should leave Galatasaray and join Chelsea. Playing under Mourinho again would improve his performances and help him regain his form for the national team.

"

However, Sneijder has since rubbished that suggestion, with the Daily Mail reporting that the 29-year-old is happy in Turkey.

"

Everywhere Jose Mourinho goes they make some rumours about me following. Whatever club I'm at I will give 100%, I love this club and I am not even thinking to leave. It's just rumours and you will see come January I will be linked with Chelsea again but I am staying here. Every transfer market I am apparently moving to one club or another but these are just rumours, I am happy and I like life here.

"

That seems to be the end of that one then.

Likelihood rating: 3/10. Quotes from the player certainly sound like he will be staying at Galatasaray, but the lure of a place in the Dutch squad for Brazil could prove too tempting to turn down.

Juan Mata to Paris Saint-Germain

Michael Steele/Getty Images

Ever since Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge, rumours of a shock departure for Juan Mata have been circulating.

The Spanish playmaker is certainly getting less playing time than last season. Oscar has been Mourinho's preferred starter in the No. 10 role, and the young Brazilian's defensive contribution has seen Mata sidelined.

There are fears that a lack of game time will see the 25-year-old left out of the Spain squad for the World Cup in Brazil, but his inclusion in the most recent round of international friendlies suggests otherwise.

According to the Express, Paris Saint-Germain are willing to improve on their last-minute summer bid with an offer of £40 million when the January transfer window opens.

There are genuine concerns among the Chelsea supporters that Mourinho could be tempted to sell the two-time Player of the Year, but it only takes a little bit of digging to find some comfort in these stories. 

Mata himself had this to say to talkSPORT in October: 

"

I am happy at Chelsea. I have always felt the support of the fans - in every game, on the street - I have felt the love from them. I try to play for them, score for them and make them happy. We have great support. I want to play as much as I can, but if you want to win titles you need 24-25 players ready to play. Anyone can play any game. I always train my best and try to do my job the best I can. I have to be ready to play at my best at any time and that’s what I do.

"

Likelihood of a deal being done: 0.5/10. It's only fair to give the final word on Mata to Mourinho, who told the Independent in September: "I think he's a very important player for us. He wants to be a very important player for us. He wants to stay. I want him to stay, the club want him to stay. There is no story."