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      Arthur says playing with Cristiano Ronaldo is like a ‘dream’ – but claimed Messi was ‘greatest player in history’

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      BRAZILIAN Arthur is living his “dream” playing with Cristiano Ronaldo – but said Lionel Messi is the “greatest player in history”.
      Midfielder Arthur has swapped the Nou Camp for Juventus’ Allianz Stadium ahead of the 2020-21 season.

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      Arthur spent two season with Lionel Messi at BarcelonaCredit: EPA

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      Juventus unveiled Arthur today after his move from LaLigaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Arthur will now play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in TurinCredit: EPA
      Miralem Pjanic moved in the opposite direction but unfortunately tested positive for Covid-19 almost immediately after arriving at his new Spanish side.
      Arthur will now become one of the few players to have the fortune of lining up alongside superstars Messi AND Ronaldo.
      When presented to the media in Italy today, via Goal, Arthur said: “I have had the privilege of playing with great players.

      “Playing with Ronaldo is almost the realisation of a dream.

      “Today is a very important day for me. I thank my family, the managers, Fabio [Paratici, chief football officer] and all those who have welcomed me.”
      However, it is unclear where Arthur sits on the GOAT debate after previously singing Messi’s praises after spending the last two seasons as his team-mate.
      But now it appears the Argentine forward will sensationally be following Arthur out the Catalan giants’ exit door with Man City lining up a £623million contract.
      And in 2019, Arthur revealed how Messi had helped him settle in Catalonia.

      He told Globoesporte: “Honestly I didn’t expect it. He’s a guy I admire and, in my opinion and many other people’s, he’s the best player in history.

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      “He gave me a lot of confidence, he helped me in training and in games.
      “If the best player in the world praises you, I think that gives you some extra confidence.
      “I am really grateful for his words and the attitude he has with me and everyone else in the dressing room.”

      Barcelona’s Arthur Melo is busy keeping in shape as he stays at home for lockdown More

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      Lautaro Martinez ‘to reject Barcelona transfer and no longer wants move from Inter Milan due to Lionel Messi saga’

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      LAUTARO MARTINEZ will reject a Barcelona transfer and no longer wants to leave Inter Milan because of the Lionel Messi saga, according to reports.
      Barca had identified the Inter striker, 23, as a summer target and a long-term replacement for Luis Suarez.

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      Lautaro Martinez will reportedly stay at Inter Milan following the shambles at BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The Catalan giants were at one stage ready to stump up as much as the £97million release clause for the Argentine forward.
      But according to Corriere dello Sport in Italy, Martinez – who scored 21 in 49 last season – has been put off a move to the Nou Camp by the events currently unfolding.
      Instead, he could be on course to pen a new contract at the San Siro – with no release clause – especially if he cannot link up with his hero in Spain.
      As revealed by SunSport, Manchester City are also weighing up a move for Martinez as the successor to Sergio Aguero’s centre-forward spot.

      Messi, 33, sent shockwaves across the football world by telling Barcelona he wants to quit the club he joined nearly 20 years ago.
      Martinez’s international team-mate’s future remains unclear with a move to Manchester City the most likely destination should he make an exit.
      Barca midfielder Frenkie de Jong described the situation as a “mess” and “chaos”.
      He said: “Currently it’s a mess at Barcelona, so many strange things happening, it’s chaos.

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      Lionel Messi could be about to wave goodbye to the Nou Camp club after nearly 20 yearsCredit: AFP or licensors

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      “But if Messi really leaves, it will be a huge blow to the team and the club.” 
      His father and agent Jorge admitted it will be “difficult” for the footballer to stay at Barcelona.
      Messi Sr jetted in to Barcelona from Argentina for showdown talks over his son’s future this morning.
      And as he was entering the club offices, he admitted to El Chiringuito TV that his son is highly likely to leave.
      Messi is now locked in dispute with the Spanish giants over after claiming that a release clause in his contract allows him to quit for nothing with immediate effect.
      Nou Camp officials believe the stipulation expired on June 10, with the Argentine superstar under contract until the summer of 2021.

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      Messi’s dad and agent, Jorge, is in Barcelona for showdown talks with the Catalan side’s hierarchyCredit: EPA

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      Martinez was originally thought to be keen to link up with Messi at the Nou CampCredit: Reuters

      And LaLiga have backed the Catalan giants, insisting Messi’s €700m (£629m) buy-out clause is still valid.
      Reports add that Manchester City have agreed a stunning £623m deal with Messi agreed.
      The incredible contract would make the Argentine the highest-paid individual in the history of the sport.
      It equates to £14,200 an hour, £341,000 per day, £2.4m every week and a whopping £10.4m per month.
      Messi is set to spend three seasons at the Etihad before joining City Football Group’s Major League Soccer side New York City FC for two years.

      Messi’s father lands in Barcelona amid reports of FC Barcelona meeting More

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      Luis Suarez ‘agrees personal terms’ with Juventus ahead of transfer from Barcelona after being told to leave

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      LUIS SUAREZ has reportedly agreed personal terms with Juventus after being told he can leave Barcelona.
      The Uruguayan international is poised to depart the Nou Camp after he was deemed surplus to requirements by Ronald Koeman.

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      Luis Suarez is said to have agreed personal terms with JuventusCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Should Barca fail to get an offer for Suarez, they would have to fork out £12million to cancel his contract.
      Ajax have already confirmed their interest in signing the 33-year-old as they look to bring the player back to Holland.

      But a move to Turin has also been reported, where he could link up with old rival Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus.
      It was reported over the weekend that Suarez has spoken to Juve chief Pavel Nedved to discuss a potential switch to Italy.

      And according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Old Lady has now agreed personal terms with the player’s representatives during a second meeting.
      The report adds that Suarez is set to pen a £9million-a-year contract after-tax – the same wage he is currently raking in at Barcelona.
      Juve boss Andrea Pirlo has identified the ex-Liverpool ace as a replacement for Gonzalo Higuain, who has been linked with an MLS switch.
      Suarez took to social media last week where he broke his silence on speculation regarding his future.

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      He took aim at former lawyer Alejandro Balbi, who suggested he would leave the Spanish side should Lionel Messi also depart.
      It has been claimed that the Catalan club have identified Lyon forward Moussa Dembele as Suarez’s replacement.
      Suarez joined Barcelona from Liverpool in 2014, where he has scored 198 goals in 283 games in all competitions. More

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      Barcelona star Luis Suarez wanted by Juventus in transfer as Pirlo eyes striker after being told he can leave Nou Camp

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      LUIS SUAREZ could be set to join Juventus from Barcelona with Andrea Pirlo eyeing up a move for the striker.
      The Uruguayan international is poised to depart the Nou Camp after he was deemed as surplus to requirements by Ronald Koeman.

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      Barcelona striker Luis Suarez is reportedly being chased by JuventusCredit: AFP or licensors
      Should Barca fail to get an offer for Suarez, they would have to fork out £12million to cancel his contract.

      Ajax have already confirmed their interest in signing the 33-year-old as they look to bring the player back to Holland.
      But a move to Turin has also been reported, where he could link up with old rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
      It was reported over the weekend that Suarez has spoken to Juve chief Pavel Nedved to discuss a potential switch to Italy.

      The Old Lady are desperate to replace Gonzalo Higuian, and they had been keen to strike a deal with Roma for Edin Dzeko.
      But according to Gazzetta dello Sport, that deal has stalled, and Juve are now looking at signing Suarez instead.

      They claim that the ex-Liverpool hitman is high on their list on targets, with Andrea Pirlo said to be a fan.
      It has been stated that the Serie A champions have made contact with Suarez’s entourage.

      And it has been suggested that the Bianconeri would be more than happy to meet the striker’s wage demands.

      Barcelona star Luis Suarez returns to training after injury More

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      Neymar, Sadio Mane and Jadon Sancho favourites to replace Lionel Messi at Barcelona as transfer exit talk ramps up

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN star Neymar is the bookies favourite to replace Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp should the Barcelona legend leave.
      The six-time Ballon d’Or winner put in a transfer request after the 8-2 defeat against Bayern Munich.

      Neymar is the favourite to replace Lionel Messi should he leave Barcelona
      And he is now refusing to turn up for pre-season training in Catalonia as he desperately seeks a move away from Spain.

      Manchester City have emerged as the favourites to prise Messi from LaLiga, with their director of football Txiki Begiristain reportedly in Barcelona looking to strike a deal.
      Should Messi leave the club, Ronald Koeman will almost certainly bring in a swift replacement as he looks to make an impression following his recent appointment.
      Commenting on Messi’s potential exit, Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Plenty of blockbuster names are being lined up as potential Messi replacements.

      “And as things stand a Neymar/Nou Camp reunion could well be on the cards.”
      The Brazilian trickster is currently priced at 7/4 to return to the Nou Camp, three years after departing for Paris.
      WAITING NEYM
      It was only last month that it was reported that Neymar was dreaming of a reunion with Messi at Barcelona.
      Liverpool forward Sadio Mane is also down at 7/4, though it is unlikely Barca would be willing to match the Reds’ £150million asking price.

      A slightly cheaper alternative could be Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho.
      Priced at 5/2, Barca could opt to make a move for the BVB star who is available for £108m.
      Neymar’s PSG team-mate Kylian Mbappe then comes in at 3/1, with Messi’s Argentine compatriot Lautaro Martinez at 7/2.
      Arsenal hitman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is priced at 4/1, with Man City winger Raheem Sterling a surprising option at 5/1.

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      Koeman could make a move for Lyon ace Memphis Depay who he managed for Holland.
      The former Red Devils man is priced at 11/2, with Tottenham’s Harry Kane at 6/1.
      Completing the likely replacements for Messi is Juventus maestro Paulo Dybala, who like Kane, is down at 6/1.

      Lionel Messi already in contact with Pep Guardiola as Man City lead transfer race for wantaway Barcelona superstar More

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      Luis Suarez and Arturo Vidal are ‘ONLY Barcelona stars pushing for Lionel Messi to stay’ amid shock transfer exit talks

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      LUIS SUAREZ and Arturo Vidal are reportedly the only two Barcelona players who want Lionel Messi to stay.
      The Argentine superstar is locked in a furious row as he attempts to force through his exit from the club, with Manchester City leading the chase for the 33-year-old.

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      Arturo Vidal and Luis Suarez are reportedly the only Barcelona players pushing for Lionel Messi to stayCredit: EPA

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      The three stars could all leave Barcelona over the coming weeks
      Messi is believed to have been fined after refusing to turn up for coronavirus testing ahead of the squad’s return for pre-season training.
      Now Sky Sports claims there has been a “deafening silence” from his teammates throughout his public attempts to secure his exit.
      The only two notable exceptions are Suarez and Vidal – who are both in a similar situation to Messi and look to be on the way out.

      Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique are widely-believed to be in Messi’s inner circle, but neither have made any comments regarding their pal’s situation.

      Suarez, who was spotted last week leaving a restaurant with Messi, was told by new boss Ronald Koeman he did not feature in his plans.
      Chilean Vidal is no longer wanted by Barca either after he tore into the club for only having “13 professionals” and claimed Messi had been forced to carry the team on his own.
      Both he and Suarez seem to have joined together in a bid to ensure the talisman stays, but the row looks set to go on.
      Messi tried to invoke a clause in his contract which he believed entitled him to leave for nothing, only for the club and LaLiga to dispute it, declaring anyone who wants him will have to pay £630m.

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      Despite that blow, Messi is determined to leave and his father and agent Jorge is due to meet Barca chiefs today for talks.
      City are closely monitoring the situation as they plot a way to reunite him with Pep Guardiola.
      Spanish radio station Cadena Ser claim they will offer Messi an initial two-year contract.
      They also state their director of football Txiki Begiristain is already in Spain to negotiate a deal.

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      Wantaway Lionel Messi ignores the ball at start of Barcelona games so he can scout the opposition’s defenders

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      DESPITE his absolute genius with it, Lionel Messi has no interest in the football during the first few minutes of a match.
      Instead, that time is reserved for the Barcelona superstar to scout out the opposition.

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      Lionel Messi walks during the first few minutes of matches to suss out the oppositionCredit: Reuters
      The Argentine has rocked the LaLiga giants by demanding a transfer away, and with Manchester City desperate to sign him, he has refused to attend the club’s Covid-19 testing ahead of pre-season to try and push through his exit.
      But talking to the Financial Times, his former Nou Camp boss Ernesto Valverde has revealed why Messi “ignores” the ball early on.
      He says the No10 “takes a reconnaissance walk” around the opposition defence.
      There, he notes exactly each man’s position. Valverde said: “Then, as the game advances, he gets in little by little.

      “But he knows perfectly where the rivals’ weaknesses are.”
      There is no denying it works.
      During one El CLasico in December 2017, Messi walked for 83 per cent of the game and “ran” for only 4.95 per cent of the time.
      However, he managed to create nine chances, score a goal and register an assist.

      Messi, now 33, still works hard to improve as he was spotted earlier this year training alone in a sand pit kicking balls through a small rectangular net hanging down from end of the goalposts.

      The attention to detail was amazing.
      It is not enough for Messi to hit the target but to put the ball through a small area of it.
      Now it remains to be seen whereabouts he will be putting that practice into match action next season.

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      Man City ‘to hand Lionel Messi two-year contract with chief Txiki Begiristain already in Barcelona thrashing out deal’

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      LIONEL MESSI will reportedly be handed a two-year deal by Manchester City as they look to strike a deal with Barcelona.
      The Premier League team are favourites to sign the 33-year-old, with Barca presidential candidate Toni Freixa admitting he is likely to move to the Etihad.

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      Barcelona legend Lionel Messi could leave the club this summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Messi handed in a transfer request at the Nou Camp after the club were humiliated by Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

      It was claimed on Monday that City were ready to offer Messi £450million across five years.
      But Cadena Ser have stated that the four-time Premier League champions will instead give Messi a two-year contract.
      Though they add that City would be open to extending the Argentinian’s stay at the club.

      The Spanish news outlet has also revealed that City director of football Txiki Begiristain is in Barcelona trying to thrash out a deal to bring Messi to England.
      Messi failed to report for coronavirus testing in Barcelona on Sunday and didn’t turn up for training on Monday.
      As a result, he is facing a suspension and £1.1m fine after missing the start of their pre-season preparations.

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      Marca have claimed that the four-time Champions League winner is set to incur “serious penalties” as a result of his actions.

      The player – despite still being the club’s captain – does not see himself as an employee of the club.
      Is is believed he desires to be reunited with Pep Guardiola at City, as he thinks he can win two more Ballon d’Or awards at the Etihad.

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