Lionel Messi ‘asked about Arsenal transfer before signing new Barcelona contract

Lionel Messi was seriously interested in a switch to Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

Lionel Messi was allegedly interested in a shock transfer to Arsenal before he signed a new contract with Barcelona just two months ago.
The Argentine superstar eventually penned his extension with Barca in May having previously rejected fresh terms, following a row over bonus payments.
And Spanish newspaper Vozpopuli, who broke the news of Arsenal’s deal for Alexis Sanchez, says Messi was seriously considering a switch to the Emirates before sorting out an arrangement to stay at the Nou Camp.
The paper claims that Messi had spoken to close friend Cesc Fabregas about his time at Arsenal, and also sounded out other acquaintances about a switch to London.

Messi apparently spoke to Cesc Fabregas about a move (Picture: Getty)

He had apparently already instructed his agent to discuss with the Gunners whether a transfer could realistically take place, before Barca quickly moved to sort out his future.
Messi had an opportunity to move to Arsenal before joining Barcelona’s academy as a kid, and he is said to be a huge admirer of Arsene Wenger and his methods.