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Reports have surfaced that Argentina soccer superstar Lionel Messi may be transferred out to Premier League team Arsenal and that he is demanding an annual salary of about US$27 million, various sports news outlets reported Monday.
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Lionel Messi wants 600k a week and is willing to join Arsenal. Make it happen Mathieu Flamini.
— Arsenal News (@__arsenalnews_)
November 16, 2015
BACKPAGES: Lionel Messi has said he would prefer a move to Arsenal over Chelsea or Man United in the Premier League. pic.twitter.com/sLkdB7L62I
— UberArsenal™ (@UberAFC)
November 16, 2015
Messi, who has just returned to training camp after recovering from an injury weeks ago, has a buy-out clause with his current Liga team Barcelona worth over US$262 million, making him the most valuable player in the world today.
Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea are also apparently seeking to sign Messi, but the Daily Star said that the only thing holding them back is the fact that Messi is asking for a US$27 million dollar contract.
The only club that Lionel Messi wants to join if he move to England is Arsenal. I repeat, Arsenal.
— Arsenal News (@__arsenalnews_)
November 16, 2015
The Associated Press reports that Barcelona is not too keen to see its star striker leave and may consider renewing his contract with better pay.
Other news reports suggest that Messi is disappointed with Spain because of the tax scandal he and his father are facing, which may see the four-time Player of the Year star in court shortly.
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The Argentine player and his father, Jorge Messi, are accused of defrauding Spain of around US$3 million. They are both set to face trial and potentially face 22 months in prison, BBC News reported.
Barcelona B coach Gerard Lopez has revealed the Argentina international has been training with his squad ahead of a possible return against Real Madrid this weekend
In the meantime, Messi has returned to training with Barcelona's B team and appears to be almost fully recuperated from a knee injury during a game against Las Palmas on Sept. 26.
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However, he will apparently be benched in the Clasico against Real Madrid this Saturday.
"Leo completed training. I saw him well and I am glad that the recovery is positive," Lopez said.
Cristiano Ronaldo's reaction when asked why they haven't made a film about Lionel Messi. Quality. https://t.co/iZnZ2Y4dvU
— Premier League (@EPLBible)
November 16, 2015
