Chelsea Rumors: Paris Saint-Germain's 'New Lionel Messi' Wants To Follow Thomas Tuchel

Chelsea could be closing in on signing Paris Saint-Germain youngster Kays Ruiz-Atil, a wonderkid dubbed as the club’s “new Lionel Messi.”

After appointing Thomas Tuchel as the club’s new manager, Chelsea is believed to be working on bringing Ruiz-Atil to Stamford Bridge as well, French outlet Foot Mercato reported.

According to the report, the teenager found opportunities hard to come by under PSG’s new coach Mauricio Pochettino and has expressed his desire to play under Tuchel at Chelsea, having been handed his senior team debut by the German manager.

Ruiz-Atil’s future at PSG has become uncertain despite his potential, and the report adds that “a meeting” between his representatives and the Blues is expected to take place soon.

The 18-year-old hasn’t made a single first-team appearance since Pochettino’s arrival, and with his contract set to expire in July, the outlet revealed that is he likely to opt-out.

Tuchel was evidently the only manager who has trusted Ruiz-Atil with all his senior appearances at PSG came under the rein of the former Tottenham boss.

Aside from Chelsea, Arsenal is another big-name English Premier League club that has expressed an apparent interest in Ruiz-Atil.

In fact, the Gunners have reportedly attempted to sign the former Barcelona academy star, but the deal did not materialize.

Prior to being linked to Chelsea, Ruiz-Atil has already set the record straight with the reigning Ligue 1 champions regarding what he wants for his career.

On his Instagram post last year, the midfield sensation hinted at the possibility of taking his talents elsewhere by divulging his current situation at PSG to the public.

According to Ruiz-Atil, should he feel that PSG doesn’t think he’s ready to take on bigger challenges, he would happy to leave.

“If PSG doesn’t want me to train with the pros, there are other clubs. It will not end at PSG,” Ruiz-Atil wrote.

Even more interesting, Ruiz-Atil has already earned comparisons to six-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi at an early age.

Apart from both being honed at the famed “La Masia” academy, the pair also seems to have an identical playing style.

Like Messi, Ruiz-Atil is also a crafty ballhandler who can also utilize both his feet. He also somewhat resembles the Barcelona captain’s savvy playmaking skills.

However, Ruiz-Atil hasn’t recorded a single goal and assist to his name in his Ligue 1 debut season with PSG, having only called up seven times in the current campaign.