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    Lionel Messi ‘leaning towards snubbing new PSG contract and QUITTING club’ in shock summer transfer

    LIONEL MESSI is leaning towards leaving PSG on a free transfer this summer, according to reports.The Argentine World Cup winner arrived in the French capital in August 2021 having spent his entire career at Barcelona.
    Lionel Messi in action for PSG during their French Cup defeat to Marseille with his future at the club up in the airCredit: Getty
    Recent reports had indicated that a possible contract renewal was on the cards.
    But Foot Mercato report that, although extending his stay in Paris remains an option, it does not appear to be the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s priority.
    David Beckham’s MLS side Inter Miami are known admirers and there have been persistent rumours of a return to Barca.
    A lucrative move to join old rival Cristiano Ronaldo is Saudi Arabia, however, does seem to be off the cards for now.
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    Messi, 35, has his eyes on the Copa America in 2024 and is determined to play at a high level to keep his sharpness.
    Messi struggled in his first season with the French giants notching six goals in 26 appearances in Ligue 1 although fared better in the Champions League with five goals in seven matches.
    The diminutive Argentine is enjoying a much better second season and so far has 10 goals and 10 assists in 18 Ligue 1 matches with four goals in five matches in the Champions League.
    PSG are currently sweating on Messi’s fitness as they prepare for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Bayern Munich.
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    The star forward picked up a hamstring injury as PSG were eliminated from the French Cup by arch rivals Marseille last week.
    The Parisians sit five points clear of Marseille at the top of Ligue 1. More

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    Man Utd, Liverpool & Newcastle ‘in straight fight for Ruben Neves transfer as Barcelona pull out of race for Wolves ace’

    MANCHESTER UNITED, Liverpool and Newcastle are reportedly “in a straight fight” to sign Ruben Neves this summer.Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Portuguese midfielder, 25, has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona over recent months.
    Barcelona have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Ruben NevesCredit: Reuters
    However, a fresh report has now claimed that the LaLiga giants have pulled out of the transfer race.
    And now that has left the Premier League trio of United, Liverpool and Newcastle battling it out for his signature.
    Spanish publication Sport reports that Neves’ agent Jorge Mendes met with Barcelona officials last week.
    But he was allegedly informed during the talks that Xavi’s side are prioritising strengthening in other positions.
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    They want to secure the future of veteran Sergio Busquets, who is out of contract, also.
    And even if they fail to do that, the publication claims that Xavi “prefers the profile of another type of midfielder” rather than Neves.
    The ace arrived at Molineux from Porto back in 2017 and has helped the club to consolidate in the Premier League after winning the Championship in his first season there.
    He now has less than 18 months remaining on his contract, and rather than risk losing him for nothing in 2024, Wolves look set to sell this summer.
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    United boss Erik ten Hag has long-been rumoured to be an admirer of the player, as is Kop manager Jurgen Klopp.
    But high-flying Newcastle are the latest team to join the scramble to sign Neves. More

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    Arsenal ‘open transfer talks’ with teenage Brazil striker Vitor Roque in bid to beat Chelsea, Barcelona and PSG

    ARSENAL have reportedly “opened talks” with Athletico Paranaense over a deal for Brazilian teenager Vitor Roque.The young striker, 17, is currently representing his country at U20 level at the South American age group championships.
    Vitor Roque has scored six goals at the South American U20 ChampionshipsCredit: AFP
    And he has been one of the star players to come out of the tournament, scoring six goals on the road to the final – which takes place between Brazil and Uruguay on Sunday night.
    Roque turns 18 later this month, meaning he will be eligible to move to Europe in the summer transfer window.
    And he has been linked with a host of huge clubs including Barcelona, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle.
    According to Goal, Barcelona are leading the way in the race to secure his signature.
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    They believe he is a suitable replacement for Memphis Depay.
    But the same report states that Arsenal’s sporting director Edu has approached the player’s agent about a potential deal.
    However, the Gunners will be forced to pay a substantial fee if they are to bring the talented forward to the Emirates.
    Athletico Paranaense are said to be holding out for his release clause of £53million.
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    Known as “Tigrinho” in Brazil, Roque has already been likened to legendary striker Ronaldo and Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez.
    He has made 36 appearances for Paranaense, contributing seven goals and three assists.
    On top of his club form, he has bagged six goals in nine appearances for Brazil’s U20s. More

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    Chelsea outcast scuppers their transfer plans by snubbing exit after ‘club agreed loan’ to stay and fight for place

    PIERRE EMERICK-AUBAMEYANG has snubbed the chance to leave Chelsea for the MLS.Aubameyang, 33, was lured to Chelsea by Thomas Tuchel last summer despite enjoying a fine spell at Barcelona.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has snubbed a move to the MLSCredit: Alamy
    Graham potter has left the striker out of his Champions League squadCredit: Getty
    The pair knew each other well from their time together at Borussia Dortmund.
    And it was hoped that ex-Arsenal captain Aubameyang could be the man to fire Tuchel’s side to silverware.
    But the veteran managed just one game before his pal was axed by Todd Boehly and he has suffered since after netting just three times in 17 games since Graham Potter replaced the German..
    After falling down the Stamford Bridge pecking order, the striker’s latest blow came when he was axed from Chelsea’s 25-man Champions League squad.
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    However, there was hope that Aubameyang’s career could be reignited after American outfit LAFC made an approach and Chelsea agreed to let him go there on loan.
    But now The Telegraph have claimed that the ex Barcelona star has rejected the opportunity to go to America.
    And instead he would rather stay and try and fight for his place at Stamford Bridge.
    The Gabon star had been hoping to rejoin Barcelona in January.
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    There were no other options at the time as Aubameyang was not able to pay for a third club in the same season.
    And that appears to have left him in limbo with Potter hardly giving him a sniff in the starting XI. More

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    Man Utd and Arsenal transfer blow as Barcelona president rules out Ansu Fati exit as interest confirmed

    PREMIER LEAGUE giants Manchester United and Arsenal have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Barcelona’s Ansu Fati.The two clubs have been monitoring Fati ahead of a potential summer move as they look to strengthen their forward lines.
    Ansu Fati in action for Barcelona against Girona in La Liga.Credit: Rex
    But Barcelona president Joan Laporta has poured cold water on any chances of the forward leaving in the summer.
    Laporta said: “We are not thinking of selling Ansu Fati as of now, he’s loved here, then I cannot predict the future.”
    He added: “His agent told us there are clubs keen on signing Ansu Fati yes.”
    “It is clear that he wants to succeed here at Barca.”
    The summer arrivals of Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski along with Fati’s recovery from a long term injury have seen him given limited chances to impress.
    The La Masia product has made 20 appearances in LaLiga this season scoring three goals as Xavi’s men lead Real Madrid by seven points.
    Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano had previously reported that Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool were the Premier League clubs tracking Fati’s situation for this summer.
    The Spaniard, who inherited the No10 shirt when Lionel Messi departed for PSG, is a versatile forward who can play in a number of positions across the front line.
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    Despite the Catalan giants pulling multiple financial levers they are still in deep financial trouble.
    Fati has a £898million release clause in his contract but a big offer from any potential suitors could tempt Barcelona to cash in to ease their financial woes. More

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    Jordi Alba offers to take huge pay cut to help stricken Barcelona out with his contract having one-year left

    BARCELONA star Jordi Alba has offered to take a PAY CUT in order to stay at the Nou Camp.The 33-year-old Spanish international left-back arrived at the Catalans in 2012 from Valencia.
    Mandatory Credit: Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto/Shutterstock (13755567bv) 18 Jordi Alba of FC Barcelona celebrates his goal during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona v Sevilla FC at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on February 5th, 2023. FC Barcelona Vs Sevilla FC – La Liga, Spain – 05 Feb 2023Credit: Rex
    Jordi Alba has offered to take a pay cut to stay at BarcelonaCredit: Alamy
    Since then he has played over 300 matches in the top-flight and won countless honours.
    He has five LaLiga titles, a Champions League, Club World Cup, five Copa del Reys and four Spanish super Cups on his CV.
    After previously spending time in Barcelona’s academy before heading to Cornella, this is Alba’s 18th season at Barcelona.
    However, he has found himself left on the bench for spells this term under boss and former team-mate Xavi.
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    The 2012 European Championship winner has now entered the final 18 months of his contract and speculation has been mounting that he looks set to depart the club this summer.
    However, not only has he declared that he intends to see out the full length of his deal – he has even told Marca that he would be willing to take a pay cut to remain there.
    Alba said: “I think I’m at a good level. It is true that I am not playing everything, but when I go out I try to do my best. And when I’m not playing I try to help all my teammates by supporting them from the bench.
    “It’s a new facet for me because normally I’ve been lucky enough to play a lot of minutes.
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    This year not so much, but I also have my minutes and I’m happy with this role.
    “It is important to help my colleagues, to be with them, to advise them, and this is also positive and motivates me.”
    When asked whether he would lower his salary, he replied: “Yes. It’s a club decision and I’ve always helped when asked.
    “My intention is to help the club and that both parties are happy.”
    Alba added: “I feel good, I feel capable and I have the support of the coach and team-mates.
    “When I go down the street people let me know. I feel good and the day I feel that I am not capable of defending a club like Barcelona, ​​I will be the first to leave.” More

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    Arsenal join Man Utd in Ansu Fati transfer race with Liverpool and Bayern Munich ‘informed’ of his Barcelona situation

    ARSENAL have joined the race to sign Barcelona star Ansu Fati, according to reports. The Premier League leaders are working on ways to bolster their attack come the summer.
    Ansu Fati has seen most of his minutes this season come from the benchCredit: Rex
    Fati has six goal contributions in his limited minutes this season
    According to Fabrizio Romano, this has seen them set their sights on Fati.
    The 20-year-old is one of the most exciting talents in world football.
    However, a lack of minutes – other than those gained off the bench – have seen the Spaniard question whether he wants to stay at the club in the summer.
    The report suggests Barcelona want to keep him beyond the summer, but the second half of this season is pivotal in the decision.
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    The Gunners have joined Manchester United and Liverpool to try and sign him and are said to be “well informed” on the situation.
    Meanwhile, German giants Bayern Munich are interested but are not actively working on a deal.
    Barcelona’s aforementioned reluctance to sell up could see them refer any would-be buyers to Fati’s colossal €1billion (£898million) release clause.
    Fortunately for the interested parties, Barcelona need to considerably lower their wage bill under the orders of La Liga chief Javier Tebas.
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    Despite the pulling of a number of economic levers to facilitate transfers and contracts last summer, the club remain under huge financial pressure.
    This means they could allow the likes of Fati or Frenkie de Jong to leave in the summer to help shave off £177m from their wage bill. More

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    Tottenham ‘were snubbed by Franck Kessie after launching January transfer move’ for Barcelona outcast

    TOTTENHAM were ‘snubbed’ by Barcelona’s Franck Kessie as they explored a January move for the midfielder, according to reports in Spain. Kessie joined Barcelona on a free transfer last summer from Italian giants AC Milan where he was a crucial first team player.
    Franck Kessie in action for Barcelona during a recent La Liga match against Seville.Credit: Rex
    Spanish outlet Sport report that Antonio Conte’s side tried their luck with a move for the Ivorian due to his lack of minutes at the Nou Camp this season.
    The Ivorian’s name was one of those heavily linked with leaving Barcelona due to their financial issues.
    The report claims that at no time did Kessie consider cutting his time short with the LaLiga side but that did not stop Tottenham knocking at the door.
    For Kessie unless he was told by Barcelona manager Xavi that he no longer counted on him then his plan was to always continue with the club as he was convinced his time would come.
    The 26-year-old has only featured 12 times in LaLiga for the Catalan giants this season as they sit top of the table.
    The Ivorian has scored twice for the club since his summer arrival, once in the Champions League and once in the Copa Del Rey.
    The start of 2023 has been better for Kessie and after Sergio Busquets picked up an injury at the weekend the midfielder has an opportunity to stake his claim for a run in the side.
    Tottenham are clearly in the market for a midfielder, the summer signing of Yves Bissouma from Brighton hasn’t gone to plan so far and Antonio Conte will be looking for reinforcements in that area to bolster the squad.
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    Antonio Conte’s side had been linked with moves for Weston McKennie and Ruslan Malinovskyi but the pair subsequently joined Leeds and Marseille respectively.
    The North London outfit signed right back Pedro Porro from Sporting Lisbon and Arnaut Danjuma on loan from Villareal last month. More