‘Messi wants him at Barcelona’ – Leo out to ruin Arsenal's dream transfer

Robin Bairner

• 5 Aug 2024 15:20 BST
• 2 min read

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi hopes Arsenal’s plan to sign Julian Alvarez from Manchester City is doomed to failure and that his international teammate moves to Camp Nou instead.

According to El Nacional, Messi thinks his compatriot would “fit like a glove” into Hansi Flick’s plans and would be the ideal signing for the Blaugrana.

And fuelling the possibility of the 24-year-old moving to the Catalan side is the fact that Barcelona president Joan Laporta is said to “love” the player, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €64.1 million.

FootballTransfers has exclusively reported that Arsenal are ready to meet Manchester City’s expected asking price of €70-80m for the World Cup winner, yet a deal promises to be difficult to broker given the rivalry that has developed on the field between these teams in recent seasons.

READ MORE: De Jong deal blocked by Antony as ‘OBSESSED’ Ten Hag reignites chase for Barcelona ace

STATS

Julián Álvarez

F, M (C)

Man City

Julián Álvarez

F, M (C)

Man City

All Tournaments

2023/24

• 52

  Games

• 17

  Goals

• 13

  Assists

View all stats

Could Barcelona take advantage?

Much to Messi’s disappointment, a deal this summer that would take Alvarez to Barcelona is said to be “impossible” because of City’s asking price.

The Catalan side are fighting to complete a transfer for RB Leipzig star Dani Olmo, having been unable to agree financial terms with Nico Williams, who will remain at Athletic Club for the next season.

Alvarez, though, is pushing to leave Pep Guardiola’s side. He is unhappy at his lack of playing time, particularly in the most important matches.

READ MORE: Latest Barcelona transfer rumours

Atletico Madrid are pushing to sign the player and have been in “advanced talks” with him, while PSG are seeking to complete a stunning hijack.

Manchester City, meanwhile, are eager to retain the forward until January at least, giving Laporta hope that his dream of Alvarez replacing Robert Lewandowski next summer might yet come true.

Messi, who is currently playing in MLS with Inter Miami, meanwhile, continues to play with Alvarez at international level and is, no doubt, pushing the forward to Barcelona.