Chelsea Transfer News: Nemanja Matic Approach by Juventus, Lionel Messi Rumours

Juventus have reportedly made contact with Chelsea over a possible £17 million deal for Nemanja Matic.

According to Simon Jones of MailOnline, the Bianconeri "made an approach earlier this year" and are attempting to land him once again. Should the Blues accept the fee, the Serb would be offered a £4.2 million annual salary, and he is reportedly open to joining the Serie A champions.

However, Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is hoping the 27-year-old will stay put, per David Amoyal, a translator for Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio:

The holding midfielder played a key role in the Blues' 2014-15 Premier League title win and is one of the best in his position in English top flight.

As WhoScored.com demonstrated, the number of tackles he puts in is virtually unrivalled:

Like many of the Blues players, he often struggled last term as Chelsea floundered and finished in 10th place a season removed from being crowned champions.

Here is how his Premier League numbers compare across the last two campaigns, according to Squawka:

	2014-15	2015-16
Games	36	33
Minutes	3,122	2,421
Tackles won per 90 mins	2.91	2.34
Interceptions per 90 mins	2.10	2.49
Clearances per 90 mins	3.72	2.04
Aerial Duels won per 90 mins	2.16	1.34
Chances Created per 90 mins	0.69	0.71
Pass Completion	86%	88%

Despite his disappointing year, he's still an excellent player, which explains both Juve's interest and Conte's desire to keep him.

The Blues are in need of a revamp in central midfield, though, and Matic could be the player to make way.

In other news, Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi, has reportedly held talks with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich aboard the Russian's yacht "in the last 10 days."

That's according to an exclusive from the Sun's Phil Cadden, who noted Chelsea are hoping to put themselves at the front of the queue should the Argentinian ever decide to leave Barcelona.

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

The 29-year-old enjoyed a typically prolific season with the Blaugrana in 2015-16, netting 41 goals and racking up 26 assists in 49 games.

He then notched five goals and four assists at the Copa America Centenario, guiding his team to the final. Despite Argentina's array of attacking talent, Messi was the player through whom their attacks flowed.

Football journalist Rafael Hernandez hailed his efforts:

The forward has been at Barcelona since he was 13, though, and he seems unlikely to leave—save perhaps for a return to childhood club Newell's Old Boys.

One former mentor, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, is of the opinion he should remain at the Camp Nou, per Hernandez:

In the unlikely event he did leave, he would be able to go to any club of his choosing.

While Chelsea are one of the few teams that could afford his wages, they'd be sure to have significant competition for his signature.