Barcelona Transfer News: Lionel Messi Exit Rumours Suggest Premier League Move

Talk of Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona for Chelsea is growing. While it may still seem fanciful to many, Messi should at least consider a La Liga exit and the chance to prove himself in the Premier League.

Apparently, Chelsea have let it be known they will pay £200 million for the pocket-edition superstar. That's according to Daily Star reporter Paul Brown, who suggests the Blues will meet the release clause for the world's best player.

Brown also referenced the idea Messi is engaged in a "power struggle" with manager Luis Enrique, although the reporter states Messi will win any such battle. That makes sense given his significance to Barca.

Still, friction seems obvious between the pair. Enrique didn't start Messi in the recent 1-0 away defeat to Real Sociedad. That wasn't particularly unusual after the festive break, according to Eurosport writer Andy Mitten. But Enrique was still forced to answer some tough questions about Messi's future, per Telegraph Sport.

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But if the rumours of unrest between Messi and Enrique are true, this will be the second manager in a row the Argentine has failed to coexist with. He didn't get along with countryman Tata Martino last season, a rare campaign without silverware for Barcelona.

Messi's issues with Martino reportedly stemmed from being played out of position. Former Barca boss Radomir Antic told Goal.com reporter Alberto Pinero how much Messi loathed playing on the wing.

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Messi was forced wide as Martino searched for the best way to play the Argentine sensation and Brazilian ace Neymar Jr. together. The "too many cooks in the kitchen" dilemma is even more obvious this season.

Barca added Luis Suarez alongside Messi and Neymar this summer. But this outrageously gifted attacking trio hasn't flourished on Enrique's watch.

The problem is each player is a natural talisman, the obvious focal point of his team's forward line. Now Suarez is even being touted for a move back to England, per Daily Mail reporter Neil Ashton, just months after moving to the Camp Nou in a deal worth close to £75 million.

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Like Suarez and Neymar, Messi is used to having teams built around him, crafted to help him thrive. That's how it worked when the mini marvel inspired Barca to every major prize in the game under the watch of previous manager Pep Guardiola.

There's certainly nothing left for Messi to win with Barca. So perhaps it's time the 27-year-old considered testing himself in another league.

The rugged and frenetic environment of the Premier League is one many of the game's great players have found challenging. It's been one of football's great questions to ponder: Would Messi still be as dominant in the rough and tumble of the Premier League?

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who once managed Real Madrid, suggested attacking players have an easier time in La Liga, per an interview with the London Evening Standard (h/t Paul Hayward of The Telegraph):

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If you are an attacking player and go to Barcelona or Real Madrid, it is easier to score 50 goals than if you’re playing in England. Of course these clubs are a big attraction. You can’t blame a player. As a manager I had that instinct, too. I wanted to go to Madrid myself.

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In November, Messi's team-mate, midfield pass-master Xavi offered a contrasting view per BBC Sport (h/t Goal.com writer Liam Twomey):

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I think he'd be even better in the Premier League because it is not so defensive. When defending against Barcelona, they [English clubs] play on a 1 v. 1 basis, defending with passion, a lot of energy. But Leo would find more spaces than in La Liga.

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It would be a fan's dream to find out who's right. Of course, the answer may not stay an elusive dream much longer.

Aside from Chelsea's interest, mega-rich Premier League rivals Manchester City are also keen. So much so in fact that Barca president Jose Maria Bartomeu recently warned the reining English champions against making a bid, per Manchester Evening News reporter Paul Handler.

Handler noted how City's squad is brimming with Messi's international team-mates, including striker Sergio Aguero and full-back Pablo Zabaleta. He also pointed to the possible influence of City sporting director Txiki Begiristain who was a prominent figure during the Guardiola era.

Of course, Chelsea also have the pulling power of Messi's friendship with playmaker Cesc Fabregas. The Catalan creator is in stunning form for the Blues this season and would offer a favourable review of life at Stamford Bridge.

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Yet all of the speculation may ultimately be a moot point. BBC Sport reporter Simon Stone referenced mooted financial expert Rob Wilson stating only two clubs, Manchester United and Real Madrid, could realistically afford Messi.

His great rival, Los Blancos forward Cristiano Ronaldo, once dominated the Premier League for United. Messi should be curious about whether he'd do the same, which he almost certainly would.

Until that happens though, the speculation will continue. Messi was integral to the success of Guardiola and the late Tito Vilanova's Barcelona.

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But as the Catalan club struggles to transition to a new era, Messi is beginning to look out of place. He's still easily Barca's best player, but there'll rarely be a better time to move.

Given some of the perceived issues, along with the timing, the idea of a Messi exit is starting to make more sense.

At the moment, it's probably still safe to bet against a Messi move to England. But eventually, it would be great to get an answer to how well the best player of his generation would fare in the Premier League.